It may not be a name well known on European shores, but Mexican brand Charly have been carving out a reputation in their native land, and now, to celebrate Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead), they’ve released special edition jerseys for Pachuca, Atlas, and Xolos, strengthening their bespoke approach to jersey design.
For those that don’t know, Día de Muertos – aka the day of the dead, which ironically is celebrated over three days of street festivals and parades from 31 October 31 to 2 November – is the country’s more grandiose and colourful answer to Halloween. It sees family and friends gathering to pray for and remember loved ones who have died, through huge carnivals and parties, helping support their spiritual journey. Death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle, and Mexicans view Día de Muertos not as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because their loved ones awaken and celebrate with them. And that celebration is carried across onto the football pitch.
Charly Futbol have produced special edition shirts for their Liga MX contingent of Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente, C.F. Pachuca and Atlas F.C. Arguably the strongest of the three, the Xolos 2020 Día de los Muertos shirt sees a sublimated skull graphic dominate the red design, which is inspired by the Mictlantecuhtli underworld and Xólotl the Guardian Dog, who guides travellers on their path through the shadows until they find eternal rest. To finish off the outstanding design, Charly used bone numbers on the rear when it debuted in the Liga MX match against Monterrey, a game Xolos lost 1-0.
The Atlas shirt sees a repeating skull pattern on the grey base. It represents the Calavera de Azúcar – the Sugar Skull – and Los Rojinegros see death reflected in its eyes. It is considered a "sweet" process of our earthly life that leads to something better.
Finally, the Pachuca shirt is inspired by the Mexican Merigold. The orange of the Cempasúchil Flower shines like the memory of one of the most important triumphs, building the path in the afterlife and bringing hope.
All three Día de Muertos shirts are available at charly.com
