Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated throughout Latin America on November 1st and 2nd as a remembrance of the dearly departed. Sugar skulls are often purchased by the family, sometimes as a gift or sometimes in honor of the departed soul, and are many times used to decorate the altars (more convenient and less messy than human skulls, I’m sure!)
Making sugar skulls is a great crafty project, easy and inexpensive. Skull molds are available at craft stores, or online. For a first time project, look for a single sided skull mold that does not require assembly of two skull halves to make a whole skull. Also, avoid making your sugar skulls on rainy or humid days, as most candies and sugar work do not set properly in high humidity.