gifts for drinkers

The complex heritage of Mexico can be seen in their Day of the Dead traditions, which are complicated blends of thought from the ancestors, the Aztec, Maya, and Spaniards, and Catholic belief. Preparing an altar by placing photographs, flowers, candles, favorite foods and drinks of the loved one is an invitation to the spirit of dead loved ones to return home to share memories, laughter and tears.

Since 1910, the Catrina name refers a well dressed woman. She is "The Bony One," "The Skinny One," and death personified. Inspired by the caricatures of lithographer Jose Guadalupe Posada, Catrina is an important personage in Mexico's November 2 Day of the Dead celebrations. She takes center stage in this colorful gift box. Catrina and her husband, El Catrin appear on a set of four decoupage coasters along with a white sugar skull. The skull theme is repeated in a hand-painted candle. A small portrait of Catrina is encased in a petite tin frame, protected by a glass pane, for wall display.

Skull images celebrate Mexico's Day of the dead in colorful coasters by Ana Maria Gonzalez. Working in decoupage on pinewood, she depicts the flirty Catrina in her feathered hat, a sugar skull, a bony skeleton with flowers in her hair and a geometric skull. The set of four arrives with a pinewood stand for storage and display.

This chest treasures the timeless allure of Catrina, as first developed by renowned Mexican caricaturist José Guadalupe Posadas. Personifying death, Catrina is a coquettish character that symbolizes Mexican customs and beliefs. She is portrayed eating a watermelon and drinking tequila in a decoupage composition by Ana Maria Gonzalez. She uses it to adorn a pinewood box featuring iron fixtures.

Part of NOVICA's Dia de los Muertos collection.

For All Saints Day and All Souls Day, November 1 and 2, Mexico remembers and honors loved ones who have passed away. Traditionally, a vigil is kept in the cemeteries with flowers, prayers, candles, food and drink, while displays are often set up in the home with photographs, candles, and colorful skulls made of white sugar. Working in ceramic, Alejandra Aceves pays tribute to this tradition. The Mexican artist transfers her original signed painting of sugar skulls onto a colorful mug for your favorite hot beverage.