Día de los Muertos Decorations: Tissue Papel Picado

Paper and remembrance

Why Tissue Paper Feels Right for Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, observed mainly on November 1 and 2, is a Mexican tradition in which families remember relatives who have died, with ofrendas, marigolds, candles, food and shared stories. It is a celebration of memory, not a Halloween party, and every family and region keeps it in its own way.

Papel picado, the Mexican folk art of cut-paper banners, has long been made from papel de china, tissue paper. Its lightness is part of its charm: the flags move with the slightest draft and let candlelight shine through.

LightThin tissue glows when lit from behind by candles or a window.
MovementThe flags stir with every breath of air above the altar.
TraditionThe material many families remember from ofrendas at home and in Mexico.

Sunlight shining through the cut-out patterns of multicolor tissue paper papel picado — Multicolor tissue papel picado with light shining through the cut-outs.

The set

Fiesta Wraps Multicolor Tissue Papel Picado

Five banners of real tissue paper cutouts, handcrafted in Central Mexico. Each banner has ten flags in ten colors, cut with traditional papel picado patterns such as birds, flowers, a sun and lattice work.

Banners5 (5 strings)
Length14.8 ft each · 74 ft total
Flags10 per banner
Flag size13.8 × 8.7 in (35 × 22 cm)
MaterialReal tissue paper
UseDesigned for single use

Good to know: these are multicolor traditional designs, not skulls or Catrinas. For calavera designs, see our Day of the Dead plastic papel picado. Tissue isn't waterproof; with gentle handling, the banners can be stored and reused.

$25.99Amazon.com price as of October 13, 2026; prices may change.

Explore This Tissue Banner Set

The ofrenda

Tissue Papel Picado on a Home Ofrenda

An ofrenda belongs to the family that builds it: the photos, favorite foods, candles, marigolds and keepsakes are what give it meaning. Papel picado is one of the decorations many families add to frame it.

Start with the people. Place photos and offerings first; the banners come last.
Hang high. Run one or two banners across the wall well above the altar, so no flag can reach a candle.
Frame the sides. A banner can drop down each side of the altar, tied at the top.
Let the colors work. The bright flags echo marigold orange, fuchsia and the colors of the altar cloths.

Candle safety: tissue paper burns easily. Keep every banner well above and away from candle flames, and never leave lit candles unattended.

Multicolor tissue papel picado hung high above a family ofrenda with photos, marigolds and candles

Decorating ideas

More Ways to Decorate for Día de los Muertos with Tissue Papel Picado

Family sharing pan de muerto at a table under multicolor tissue papel picado for Día de los Muertos

The family dinner

Run banners above the table where the family shares pan de muerto, tamales or the loved one's favorite dish.

Entry and windows

A banner across the front door or a sunny window glows as light passes through the paper.

Classroom ofrenda

Frame a class altar or a bulletin board where students learn about the tradition and its symbols.

Community halls & churches

Indoor rows over a shared ofrenda or a remembrance gathering.

Library or museum display

Hang above an exhibit of books, crafts or photographs about the holiday.

Covered porch

Under a roof, a banner over the doorway welcomes visitors; take it in if rain is on the way.

Shop the Tissue Papel Picado Set

Material

Tissue or Plastic Papel Picado for Día de los Muertos?

Choose this tissue set if…

You want the traditional paper look and feel
Your ofrenda or gathering is indoors or under cover
You prefer classic multicolor designs (birds, flowers, sun)
The display is for this year's celebration

Choose plastic if…

The banners will hang outdoors in a patio, garden or plaza
You want skull and Catrina designs
You want to rinse and reuse them every year

See Día de los Muertos plastic papel picado →

Choose Tissue: View on Amazon

Hanging tissue banners

Lift the banners out by the string, never by the flags.
Tie or clip the string ends to hooks, removable adhesive hooks or curtain rods; don't tape the paper.
Leave a gentle sag. With it, one 14.8 ft banner spans roughly 13 ft.
Keep banners dry and indoors, and away from candles, heaters and lamps.
To save them, store flat or loosely folded in a dry box, with paper between layers.

Hooks and clips are not listed as included.

Before you buy: checklist

Check the designs. Multicolor traditional patterns, not skulls. Look at the listing photos.
Plan the space. 5 banners, 74 ft in total; an altar wall often needs one or two.
Confirm the setting. Indoors or covered, away from candle flames.
Order early. Leave delivery time before November 1.
Review the listing. Confirm current details and price on Amazon.

Check the Listing on Amazon

Questions

Tissue Papel Picado for Día de los Muertos: FAQs

Is tissue papel picado traditional for Día de los Muertos?

Yes. Papel picado has traditionally been cut from tissue paper, called papel de china in Mexico, and many families hang it above and around their ofrendas for Día de los Muertos. It is one of several common decorations, alongside marigolds, candles and photos, and each family decides how to decorate its own altar.

Can tissue papel picado be used on an ofrenda?

Yes, as a frame for the altar rather than its centerpiece. Hang the banners on the wall well above the ofrenda or down its sides, and keep the photos and offerings as the focus. Tissue paper burns easily, so keep every flag well away from candle flames and never leave lit candles unattended.

Does this tissue papel picado have skulls or Catrinas on it?

No. This Fiesta Wraps set has multicolor traditional papel picado designs, such as birds, flowers, a sun and lattice work, in ten colors per banner. If you want calavera and Catrina designs, see our Día de los Muertos plastic papel picado. Check the Amazon listing photos to see every flag before ordering.

What comes in the Fiesta Wraps tissue papel picado set?

The set includes five banners made from real tissue paper cutouts. Each banner is 14.8 ft (4.5 m) long with 10 flags, for 74 ft (22.6 m) in total, and each flag measures 13.8 × 8.7 in (35 × 22 cm). The banners are handcrafted in Central Mexico. Review the Amazon listing for current details before buying.

When is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos is observed mainly on November 1 and 2. In many places November 1 is dedicated to children who have died and November 2 to adults, and many families set up their ofrendas in the last days of October.

Is tissue or plastic papel picado better for Día de los Muertos?

It depends on where you decorate. Tissue gives the traditional paper look and suits indoor ofrendas and covered spaces, but it isn't waterproof and is designed for single use. Plastic suits outdoor patios, gardens and plazas and can be reused; Fiesta Wraps also offers plastic papel picado with Day of the Dead designs.

Can I save tissue papel picado for next year?

Sometimes. The banners are designed for single use, but with gentle handling they can be stored and reused. After November 2, take them down by the string, lay them flat or loosely folded in a dry box with paper between layers, and keep them away from moisture.