EL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
DAY OF THE DEAD
Elementary Spanish
Students will:
use the Internet to find web pages about the Day of the Dead;
learn the history and customs that are traditionally celebrated in Hispanic countries for the Day of the Dead;
explain the differences between The Day of the Dead and Halloween;
be able to describe food, celebrations, and religious ceremonies of the Day of the Dead.
view artwork of José Guadalupe Posada.
Click on each of the links below.
After reading the available information, return to this page to answer the questions. You may include any extra information that you find interesting. Do not copy from the Internet; answers should be in your own words.
This assignment is NOT a composition. You just need to answer the questions below using sentence format.
To receive an "A" you will need to include many details about each question.
Be sure to take time to enjoy the photographs.
Begin by reading about the history of the Day of the Dead.
Explain why death was not feared in the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico.
What significance did the dog have in the role of death?
3. How did the Christian concept of dead contrast with that of the native population in Mexico?
4. What is celebrated on November 1?
5. What is celebrated on November 2?
6. What is the difference between Halloween and the Day of the Dead?
7. List five of the preparations for the celebration. Use the Spanish vocabulary when possible.
8. Now learn about a Mexican artist who is associated with the Day of the Dead, José Guadalupe Posada. Where was he from and what was his profession?
9. Describe Posada's calaveras. Extra credit: Draw one of your own of a living person (a celebrity or a politician).
10. More extra credit: Watch Coco and write down 5 aspects of the movie that are culturally accurate.
Other sites to visit about the Day of the Dead
Hollywood's Day of the Dead celebration