Free Sugar Skull Printable

Celebrate Day of the Dead with this Free Sugar Skull Printable! This colorful print is an easy way to add a little Día de los Muertos decor to your home.

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Ever since my high school Spanish class days, I've been fascinated by the Day of the Dead (also called Día de Muertos or Día de los Muertos). This Mexican holiday is all about remembering and celebrating family and friends who've touch our lives, but are no longer with us.

The holiday features a number of rituals, and skulls (or calaveras) are one of its most popular symbols. Often these skulls (which may be made of sugar or more permanent materials), are colorfully decorated with patterns and vibrant colors.

Inspired by the intricate images I found of sugar skulls online, I decided to try my hand at drawing my own. I love how it turned out, so I decided to share this Free Printable Sugar Skull with you.

Just pop the colorful print into a frame, and you have a really simple way to decorate for Day of the Dead!

About Day of the Dead

Have your heard of Day of the Dead? It's a popular multi-day holiday in Mexico.

Day of the Dead's roots can be traced back over 3000 years to the Aztecs, who considered death an integral part of life. After the Aztecs were conquered by Spain, Catholicism became the dominant religion, and eventually, the customs of Día de Muertos became intertwined with those of the All Saints' Day.

During the holiday, which is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico, friends and families gather in cemeteries to pray for and to remember loved ones who have died. Celebrants often build private altars (or ofrendas) covered with sugar skulls, flowers, their loved one's favorite food, drinks, and possessions, along with other gifts.

It might sound a little macabre, but Day of the Dead is meant to be a celebration. The intent is to be with and encourage visits from the souls of the deceased. Funny stories and anecdotes are often told.

Sugar skulls (or calaveras de azúcar) are a very common symbol of the holiday and are given as gifts to both the living and the dead. If you search for sugar skulls online, you'll find an amazing array of colorful and creative images.

Free Sugar Skull Printable

To download the Free Sugar Skull Printable, just click here or anywhere on the image below. For best results, print the PDF on letter-size card stock at full size.

I used a an 11 x 14-inch frame with an 5 x 7-inch mat opening to display the drawing. However, an 8 x 10-inch frame with no mat will also work. You'll simply end up with more white space around the image.

Create Your Own Calaveras Drawing

Want to your own sugar skull drawing? It's actually fairly easy and really fun to do!

Start by using a soft pencil to lightly sketch the skull's outline. Then, fill in the skull with intricate images, such as flowers, leaves, and various shapes.

After creating your drawing, fill in the design with markers or colored pencils. I used the Letraset Aqua Markers for a watercolor effect. Finish the drawing by outlining everything with an ultra fine point sharpie. 

More Day of the Dead Decor

If you like this free printable sugar skull, make sure to check out my DIY Sugar Skull Banner, too!