PAPEL PICADO: HOW PLAYA DEL CARMEN CHANGES COLORS
Mexico is overflowing with traditions, most of them with vibrant color, color and more color. From the bright red costumes worn by the Papantla Flyers and the colorful flowers embroidered on Mayan huipil dresses to the enormous hats worn by the famous Catrinas, Mexico's cultural icons always offer a feast for the eyes.
Papel picado gives Mexicans a beautiful and one-of-a-kind way to incorporate color into any festivity or city street. Translating to "perforated paper", this art form can be created by anyone, whether you're a kindergartner or a master artisan. Rectangular sheets of colorful paper are chiseled into theme designs to represent any holiday or special occasion. Then, they're strung over the streets of Mexico to add to the festive atmosphere.
5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen never lacks for papel picado during holiday seasons. The city is adorned in green, white and red (the colors of the Mexican flag) in September to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. The real party is in the streets on the night of September 15, but the papel picado keeps the atmosphere going during daylight hours.
The classic Day of the Dead colors - purple and orange - can often be spotted flying over 5th Avenue in the weeks prior to November 1 and 2. Tropical restaurant in Playa always has papel picado strung up in traditional colors for the current holiday!
Sometimes on 5th Avenue you can spot papel picado in an array of colors for no reason at all. As if this Playa del Carmen street weren't colorful enough, the papel picado adds extra Mexican flavor.
Next time you're in Playa del Carmen for Day of the Dead, Independence Day, Christmas or any day of the year, look up and keep an eye out for papel picado as you stroll along 5th Avenue.