Happy Cinco de Mayo! Let’s celebrate the Mexican Army’s victory over the French with a Papel Picado ScanNCut2 Project!
But first, here is a little background on Cinco de Mayo and Papel Picado…
Cinco de Mayo
The fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.*
Papel Picado
Papel Picado is the name given to the tissue paper flags chiseled with a variety of patterns and used to decorate buildings, Day of the Dead altars and streets during secular and religious celebrations in Mexico. The pattern used depends on the celebration and can be related to the Day of the Dead, Christmas, Independence Day, a Patron Saint, or a private party.
Historically, these paper cut outs were done by hand — taking hours! Just think, one mis-cut and the entire piece is ruined. The crafter would stack tissue paper and then, using a metal plate as a template, chisel out the areas. This is a craft that become know throughout the country and even world.
ScanNCut2 Makes It Easy!
*source: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo