Candy Calaveras

On By Stacey at myjigsawjournalIn Jigsaw Puzzles

Candy Calaveras by Randy Wollenmann – Wentworth – 40 pieces

This amazingly detailed and gorgeous image made for a bit of difficult puzzling, even at only 40 pieces. But it’s so beautiful and my love for the decorative skulls (calaveras) and my appreciation for the holiday Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) made it even more fun, even with the tougher assembly.

The skulls are very cool, and the cactus is ok – but a taco and a chili? I’m not so sure about those two.

I enjoyed putting this little puzzle together; the bright colors and busyness of the image made it a little challenging, but having whimsy pieces makes it a bit easier. The odd shapes and the pieces that fit around them are always a good place to start if you’re having trouble with the image itself. Once you get a few pieces put together it becomes easier and before you know it you’ve got a completed puzzle. 🧩💚

The Day of the Dead is a two day Mexican holiday for remembering and praying for friends and family members who have died. I’m not of Mexican heritage, but I’ve always loved the meaning of the holiday and especially the traditional decorative skulls. The candy form, called sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) represent loved ones who have passed on and are used as an offering – they’re typically placed on an altar or a gravestone – to the spirit of the dead.

To me the skulls are beautiful, and what they represent is even more so. A day to remember the loved ones you’ve lost, what a wonderful holiday. To me, saying “Happy Day of the Dead” just seems wrong, so I’ll just send you good wishes today, and hope that the memories of your loved ones bring you happiness.💕

12 thoughts on “Candy Calaveras”

  1. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

    I’m glad you enjoyed your puzzle. This image would be a challenge for me. How do the size of these pieces compare to the size of your MicroPuzzles pieces? I’ve done some of the Wentworth Wollenmann puzzles before, including this October when I did their 100 large piece Haunted House with 18 stand up pieces, which was fun.

    I’m not of Mexican heritage either, but years ago when I first learned about the Day of the Dead, I also thought it was a wonderful holiday. Thank you for your puzzles and posts about this, it’s very much appreciated.

    —Dissectologist (c’est moi)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Wentworth micro puzzles are usually about the same size pieces as their regular puzzles. Sometimes if they are “extra difficult” the shapes can be a little smaller, but not too much so. As compared to a MicroPuzzles puzzle – Wentworth pieces are around 3 to 4 times larger. They’re much easier to work with.

      Glad you enjoyed my Day of the Dead posts, this holiday has come to mean a lot to me. 💖

      Like

      Reply
      1. Alice's avatar Alice

        Yes! It’s a Pixar movie all about Day of the Dead. Although ostensibly for kids, it has a lot for adults too. It’s possible I became a bit misty-eyed at some of the more poignant moments. You must watch it!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Unknown's avatar Anonymous

      Coco was a perfect choice to watch last night, that was such a sweet movie. I really should go buy it on Blu-ray – I think I’ll do that right now. Thanks so much for the idea, it’s apropos viewing for the Day of the Dead. Kudos to you. —Dissectologist (c’est moi)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to Anonymous Cancel reply