Sugar Skull Workshop

“Hands-on-History Day” Calaveras de Dulce (Sugar Skull) Workshop

In preparation for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the San Mateo County History Museum will present a “Hands-on-History Day” to teach how to make calaveras de dulce (sugar skulls) on Sunday, October 12 from 3 to 4:30 pm. The workshop will be led by Elizabeth McCarthy. The sugar skulls are often used as offerings for the offrendas (altars) on Dia de los Muertos.

Elizabeth McCarthy is a local sugar artist with over twenty years experience making Mexican sugar skulls for Day of the Dead. As a child she learned cake decorating from her mother, and as an adult she has elevated the calaveras de dulce to new heights. She is passionate about introducing this fascinating cultural art to the entire community.

In this workshop, Ms. McCarthy will lead participants in molding the skulls from raw sugar, joining the pieces to make a three-dimensional skull, making the bright royal icing, and decorating the skulls. Each participant will create two of their very own sugar skulls to take home. Learn to create a unique work of sugar art, blending traditional elements with a modern twist.

Hands-On-History is a series of workshops intended for adults held in the History Museum’s Learning Center. The workshop fee is $25. Reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket at www.historysmc.org/hands-on-history/. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot early!