U.S. #5641
2021 58¢ Day of the Dead – Man's Skull with Hat
Issue Date: September 30, 2021
First Day City: El Paso, TX
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Pane of 20
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 35,000,000
The central feature of Day of the Dead celebrations is the ofrenda (altar). Families construct these colorful and elaborate displays at their homes and gravesites to guide the spirits of the deceased to their celebrations.
Most altars consist of three levels. The upper level includes photos of the deceased as well as images of saints, statues of the Virgin Mary, and crucifixes. The second level consists of items to help the dead feel welcome. This usually includes their favorite foods. For deceased adults, they may include a bottle of their favorite alcohol, while children's altars include their favorite toys. The bottom level contains several lit candles. It also has soap, a towel, and a basin of water, for the deceased to wash and refresh themselves.
Altars are also decorated with calaveras (decorated candy skulls) that may have the deceased's name on them. They also include bright orange marigolds, which Mexicans call the "flower of the dead." The flowers' bright color and strong scent help the souls find their way to their altars and symbolize both the beauty and fragility of life. Papel picado (perforated paper) are also included in these altars as well as monarch butterflies. Monarchs usually arrive in Mexico around November 1, so they have long been associated with the Day of the Dead.