DIa De Los Muertos/Day of the Dead

This Día de los Muertos Art Unit is a vibrant, culturally respectful learning experience that combines history, tradition, symbolism, and hands-on artmaking. Students explore the meaning of Día de los Muertos, learn about ofrendas, cempasúchil, papel picado, calaveras, La Catrina, food traditions, remembrance practices, and celebrations across Mexico and beyond before turning their learning into meaningful artwork.

The unit includes six core art projects, five bonus projects, multiple accessible and budget-friendly options, reflection activities, teacher resources, and opportunities to create a classroom or community ofrenda. Projects range from giant paper marigolds and papel picado to sculptural calaveritas, illuminated memory lanterns, retablos, memory kites, printmaking, sculpture, and collaborative art.

More than a craft lesson, this is an invitation to learn, create, remember, honor, and celebrate together.