Mexico is characterized by being a country with an infinite number of celebrations and festivities, but the one that intrigues and surprises the whole world the most is the Day of the Dead, a date when we set up altars in honor of the deceased at home. Additionally, we also prepare their favorite dishes, decorate with marigold flowers, and enjoy a fluffy pan de muerto. 

Although all the elements of Day of the Dead offeringare of great importance: marigold flowers to guide the deceased, candles to light their way, food to satisfy their hunger, among others, there is one element that we enjoy both alive and deceased: the pan de muerto! 

This traditional sweet bread has a very fluffy consistency and a very subtle flavor, as the traditional recipe is prepared with orange blossom essence and orange zest, then brushed with butter and sprinkled with sugar. Additionally, pan de muerto is decorated with strips that simulate little bones and a small ball that refers to the skull. It is perfect to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate! 

The good news is that the pan de muerto that we all know is not the only one that exists in our country, as each region offers different yet equally delicious versions. At Kiwilimón, we want to keep our traditions alive, so we tell you about the meaning of this sweet bread and all the varieties of pan de muerto that exist in Mexico; they are all delicious!
You can also read: 6 recipes that cannot be missing from your Day of the Dead altar 

What is the meaning of pan de muerto?

This delicious bread is not only a whole tradition that adorns the offerings and delights us on November 1st and 2nd, but it also has an enigmatic history and a very important meaning within Mexican culture. We tell you all about this feast for the living and the dead! 

With the arrival of the Spaniards in Mexico, indigenous communities converted to Christianity and began to celebrate dates such as All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, which are celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. The New York Times states that by the 16th century, people would go to cemeteries, where candles, flowers, and bread were placed; this is the tradition that gave rise to the offerings and altars of Day of the Dead. 

Regarding pan de muerto, the most traditional one has a somewhat complex meaning; here we explain it: 

1. The bread is round because it simulates the mound of earth placed on top of the coffins. 

2. The strips of bread placed on top of the bread are the little bones of the skull. 

3. The little ball placed on top is the skull. 

4. It is said that the orange blossom flavor refers to the marigold flowers, typical of the Day of the Dead celebration. 

As you can see, Mexicans are very creative and the pan de muerto is the perfect example; however, the imagination does not stop here, as there is a great variety of bread for this celebration in every corner of the country. 
See also: What does pan de muerto mean?

Types of pan de muerto

Now that you know the meaning of the traditional pan de muerto, we tell you about the other varieties. Have you tried them? 

According to the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples, here are some of the pan de muerto that exist in the country: 

• Ánimas 
  A classic from Oaxaca! This bread is prepared with puff pastry dough and is shaped like humans or animals. 

• Ghosts 
  This sweet bread is prepared in Acámbaro. It is shaped like humans and is decorated with a white glaze and a bit of red sugar. 

• Golletes 
  This bread is prepared in the shape of a donut; its texture is hard and it is sprinkled with pink sugar. Although it is typical of Puebla, it is very popular in the municipalities of Tláhuac, Xochimilco, Iztapalapa, and Milpa Alta in Mexico City. 

• Muertes 
  The National Institute of Indigenous Peoples explains that this type of bread is produced in the State of Mexico. It is shaped like humans and is prepared with cinnamon. 

• Rabbit bread 
  This variety of pan de muerto is traditional from Texcoco, which has a delicious flavor of guava, cinnamon, and walnut. 

• Offering bread 
  This typical delight from Michoacán is prepared in the shape of humans, skulls, flowers, or animals. 

• Yemita 
  A classic of Oaxacan cuisine! Its main characteristic is that it has a little sugar figure in the center.

On the other hand, do not forget that at Kiwilimón we have the best pan de muerto recipes, so you can prepare it at home and enjoy with family and decorate your offering; let’s get to work! 

See more: 10 easy recipes to prepare pan de muerto