Cielito Lindo Estudio - What are the nichos?

About the nichos! When the Conquistadores came to the Americas, they brought with them many of the traditions of Spain, specially those having to do with religion. It was customary in Colonial homes to have a niche in the wall, or a "nicho" featuring the image of a saint, which would bless the house. These could be carved into a wall, or could be made of tin and hung on a wall. So, a nicho is essentially a recessed frame which holds either a figure or an image of a particular saint. Today in Mexico, nichos and altars to saints, (especially to the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is the patron saint of Mexico) are present in homes and in businesses, often dressed up with flower and candle offerings.

Cielito Lindo Estudio has taken this tradition one step further and incorporated the irreverent of humour and irony and the ever-present sense of the unexpected which is prevalent throughout Mexico. Many of the pieces celebrate the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead which is very inportant everywhere in the country. November 1st. and 2nd. are when the spirits of family members and friends who have passed in come back to Earth, to their gravesites so that they may visit their loved ones. In turn, families go to the cemeteries to clean off the tombs and leave offerings such as the foods and drinks which were favoured by those dead spirits during their lifetimes. Also, flowers are arranged intricately upon the tombs themselves, most common are the traditional burnt orange marigolds and blood-red cockscombs. Candles illuminate the cemeteries in a twinkling halo as though the stars themselves come down to earth. It is truly a loving and warm tribute which is often misunderstood. We hope you enjoy Cielito Lindo Estudio's work!