It’s the time of the year for sugar skulls created by Elizabeth McCarthy

With the Day of the Dead approaching (November 1 and 2), Menlo Park resident Elizabeth McCarthy is hard at work creating sugar skulls to mark the occasion.

“More than 20 years ago I worked at Canada College ESL,” she explains. “A lot of students were from countries that celebrated Day of the Dead. I was also working part time as cake decorator. I couldn’t find sugar skulls, so I started making them for myself.”

On the Day of the Dead, families and communities in central and southern Mexico make altar displays for people who have passed away. There are photos of the person, foods that person liked, orange marigolds — and sugar skulls.

Elizabeth estimates she’s made over 1,000 since she began.

In addition to making sugar skulls, Elizabeth offers DIY kits and also hosts parties and demonstrations. On October 26, she’ll be in San Jose at the History Park doing demonstrations. And on November 2, she’ll be at the Civic Center Plaza in Mountain View.

“At the Mountain View event, kids can make them for free,” she says. “I’ll have everything they need.”

You can purchase sugar skulls (which are also fun Halloween decorations) online. They are also available at Delucci’s Market in Marsh Manor. Or reach out to Elizabeth at menlo.made@gmail.com.

About this year’s skulls, Elizabeth says: “I think they’re looking better each year!”

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth McCarthy