Dia de los Muertos Calaveras

Before we start our project, let's learn about the celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Knowledge of the history and background of this celebration promotes understanding and respect for a cultural celebration that may not be our own. It is important to note it is very different from Halloween!

From PBS Education:
Beyond Sugar Skulls: The History and Culture of Dia de los Muertos

"Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a tradition first practiced thousands of years ago by indigenous peoples such as the Aztecs and the Toltecs. They didn’t consider death the end of one’s existence but simply another chapter of life. Rather than grieve their dead, ancient Mexicans celebrated the lives of the deceased and honored their memories. During Día de los Muertos, observed Oct. 31- Nov. 2, they believed the dead had a brief window to leave the spirit realm and visit their loved ones in the mortal world.

Three thousand years later, Día de los Muertos (called Día de Muertos in Mexico) is celebrated globally. Observers visit gravesites, make altars for the dead, and leave offerings for them. Over the millennia, the holiday has changed in more ways than anyone living now can possibly know. The 16th century arrival of Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to Mexico saw the imposition of Catholicism on indigenous customs. The Catholic Church recognizes Nov. 1 and 2 as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, respectively, and scholars say modern Día de los Muertos observances have indigenous roots with European influences. But for generations, the holiday has widely been practiced by people of Mexican ancestry, which is why the recent trend of outsiders partaking in Day of the Dead celebrations has led to cries of cultural appropriation."

This project will take 60-90 minutes to complete

Dia de los Muertos, as celebrated in Los Angeles

Learn about all the wonderful foods associated with
Dia de los Muertos