Calavera

Sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) These are offerings first and candy second. Some carry the name of the person being remembered, and others are given as gifts with the names of the living, which turns a skull into an affectionate joke rather than a scare. A common belief holds that the souls take in the essence of what is set out, and families eat the skulls once the celebration is over. They belong to the craft of alfeñique, sugar paste brought from Spain, where the Arabs had carried the name and technique. The basic recipe is just sugar, egg white and lime, which makes them an easy kitchen project to share with children.