Marigold (Cempasúchil) Papel Picado Template
A large cempasúchil blossom with a ring of falling petals, plus smaller marigolds and leaves near the bottom edge.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Fold
- Folded in half
- Cutting time
- About 30 minutes
- Paper
- Letter-size (8.5 × 11 in) tissue paper
About this design
Cempasúchil, the Mexican marigold, is the flower of Día de los Muertos. Its bright color and strong scent are said to guide the souls back home, which is why petals are often scattered in a path leading to the ofrenda.
How to cut this template
- Download the PDF and print it at 100% on letter-size paper.
- Stack two to four sheets of tissue paper behind the template.
- Fold everything in half along the dashed line, template on the outside.
- Clip the layers and cut away the gray areas, starting with the bottom edge.
- Unfold slowly, fold the top band over a string and glue it.
Tips
- Use orange or yellow tissue so the banner matches the real marigolds on your altar.
- The petals are narrow: cut them slowly with small, sharp scissors.
- Alternate this design with the sugar skull for a classic two-design banner.
