If you are looking to bring this vibrant Mexican tradition into your own home, you are in the right place. In this article, I share 4 easy free papel picado templates so you can make your very own festive garland!
[ This post probably contains affiliate links; our full disclosure policy is boring, but you can read it HERE ]
A Symbol for Día de los Muertos and Mexican Festivities
Papel picado is used at weddings, birthdays, and national holidays like Mexican Independance Day (where you’ll see banners with “Viva México!”), it holds its most profound meaning during Día de los Muertos on November 1st and 2nd. [8, 9, 10]
On the ofrenda (the traditional home altar built to honor ancestors), papel picado is not just decorative—it represents the element of wind.
Because tissue paper is so delicate, its gentle movement in the breeze signals to families that the spirits of their loved ones have safely arrived to visit.
Your Crafting Supply List
Making your own Mexican banners at home is highly accessible and requires only a few basic crafting items:
- Scissors or a Craft Knife: Small, sharp detail scissors work best for cutting tight corners.
- The Templates: Print out our custom designs to use as your cutting guide.
- String or Twine: To hang your completed sheets as a garland.
- Tape or Glue: To secure the paper flags to your string.
- The Perfect Paper: Traditional tissue paper is ideal if you want that classic, lightweight flutter on your altar. You can easily find packs of multi-colored tissue paper at local dollar stores, craft supply chains, or online via retailers like Amazon.
However, tissue paper rips easily! If you are crafting with young kids or want a long-lasting papel picado that you can pack away and reuse next year, we highly recommend using bright, text-weight colored paper instead.
For Outdoor Use: If you plan to hang your banners outdoors, you can also make your papel picado using thin plastic sheets (like lightweight plastic table covers or colorful poly sheets). This is a fantastic, long-lasting and weather-resistant option that ensures your beautiful designs won’t melt away if it happens to rain or get extra windy during your outdoor festivities!
Watch the Step-by-Step Tutorial Video
To help you get the hang of folding and cutting without tearing your paper, I’ve prepared a comprehensive, step-by-step video guide.
Watch the tutorial to see exactly how to prepare your paper layers, secure your printable guide, and navigate the delicate cut-out paths safely!
Download Your 4 Free Papel Picado Templates
Ready to get started? I have created four unique printable designs perfect for a Day of the Dead celebration. Simply click the links below to download your high-quality, free PDF stencils:
- Download the Skull Papel Picado Template — A classic calavera (sugar skull) motif to honor the departed.
- Download the Flower and Candles Template — Representing the light that guides souls back to the earthly world.
- Download the Cat Papel Picado Template — A playful nod to our beloved feline companions who have crossed over.
- Download the Dog Papel Picado Template — A heartwarming tribute to your lovely canine companion, capturing the loyal spirit who bring so much unconditional love to our lives.
Enjoy Your Free Papel Picado Templates
Creating your own hand-cut banners is a meaningful, meditative, and beautiful way to connect with a centuries-old Mexican art form.
Whether you choose the traditional, airy flutter of tissue paper or a durable cardstock layout, these decorations are sure to bring color, history, and light into your home.
We would love to hear about your celebration plans! For whom will you be making an ofrenda this year? Share the special stories of your loved ones or pets in the comments section below!
RELATED: How to Create Realistic Tissue Paper Marigolds
RELATED: How to make a DIY Skull mask – Como Hacer una mascara de Calavera
Want to remember it? Save these Free Paperl Picado Templates on your favorite Pinterest board.
