Pan de muerto (Spanish for bread of the dead), also called pan de los muertos or dead bread in the United States, is a type of sweet roll traditionally baked in Mexico during the weeks leading up to the Día de Muertos, which is celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is a sweetened soft bread shaped like a bun, often decorated with bone-shaped phalanges pieces. Pan de muerto is eaten on Día de Muertos, at the gravesite or altar of the deceased. As part of the celebration, loved ones eat pan de muerto as well as the relative’s favorite foods. The bones represent the disappeared one and there is normally a baked tear drop on the bread to represent goddess Chimalma‘s tears for the living. The bones are represented in a circle to portray the circle of life. The bread is topped with sugar.
Wikipedia
I had my first taste of pan de muerto at a Day of the Dead event at the San Diego Museum of Man. Surrounded by altars in the dim light there were samples of the mysterious bread. It was a denser than a concha and had a hint of sweetness and hint of anise. It was like some one crossed a concha with brioche bread. One of the most delicious breads I’ve eaten. Ever since I’ve been looking forward to celebrating Dia de Muertos with some pan de muerto.
Panchitas has the best pan de muerto I’ve been able to find in San Diego. Pan de muerto had a bit of sweetness and anise flavor. Fresh aroma and texture a bit denser than a concha. I tried getting it at Mexican supermarkets but it wasn’t as fresh.
Panchitas is also my fav spot in San Diego to get conchas. Insides are a bit more airy then the pan de muerto and I love the sweet topping. A mixture of sugar and butter it’s what makes concha’s sweet.
While there are many spots to celebrate I prefer to go to Old Town for Día de los Muertos. They have lots of altars to view and there is a candle light procession in the evening.
One of my fav tv shows Babylon 5 had a special Day of the Dead episode that had an interesting take on the holiday.
Panchitas Bakery
4414 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 281-6662
I have yet to try this bread . I love love love the smells of a bakery. It’s just so comforting. Doesn’t it make you want to bake this bread at home 🙂
It’s good bread! I’m gonna get more this weekend. 🙂 I don’t bake bread but I love the smell of baking bread.
Beautiful description entailing the meaning of each piece of Pan De Muerto. Lovely pictures, especially the shelves containing the numerous special baked pastries, treats and cakes. The individual wrapped single slice cake pieces look very tempting along with all the filled pastries. Yum!
I did bookmark this place because on your review! great pictures the pink is so vibrant!
Thanks! You should visit next Nov 2 for some pan de muerto!