Pan de muerto
(Bread of the Dead)
Pan de muerto is a traditional sweet bread that is commonly consumed during the Day of the Dead, celebrated annually on November 2. The bread is characterized by its shape and decorations: a round loaf with strips of dough layered on top of it in order to resemble human bones.
It is made from flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, and yeast, and it is traditionally glazed with butter and orange zest on top, then sprinkled with confectioners' sugar. Other flavorings include anise seed and cinnamon. Pan de muerto can also be prepared in other shapes such as skulls, animals, or angels.
It dates back to the Colonial period, when it was sold in the Plaza de Armas in the early days of New Spain, and its roots go back to the ancient Aztec tradition of placing food on the tombs of the dead as offerings, as they believed that the deceased will be hungry after their journey to the other side.
Today, pan de muerto can be found throughout Mexico City on the Day of the Dead, and it is recommended to pair it with creamy Oaxacan hot chocolate.
