We believe that learning about different cultures helps young learners develop a broader perspective. One such celebration is Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who have passed away. Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, this holiday is rich in history, symbolism, and vibrant colors, making it a perfect opportunity for kids to explore and appreciate a unique cultural event.
At The Kids Point, we are excited to offer fun, interactive activities for kids to learn about Día de los Muertos. These activities provide a hands-on way to explore the tradition, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for cultural diversity.
Learning About the History of Día de los Muertos
Before jumping into the activities, it’s important to give kids an understanding of the history and significance of Día de los Muertos. This celebration has roots in ancient Mexican civilizations, especially the Aztecs, who believed that death was not the end but a transition. The modern-day Day of the Dead, a blend of indigenous beliefs and Spanish Catholicism, celebrates the lives of those who have passed and welcomes their spirits back to visit their families during the holiday.
Activity Idea: History Timeline Craft To help kids understand the historical background of Día de los Muertos, you can have them create a timeline that shows how the holiday evolved over the years. Start with a simple craft using construction paper or a long strip of butcher paper. Students can add key events and dates, such as the origins of the holiday, the blend of Catholicism with indigenous traditions, and the global spread of the celebration. This activity can help children visually connect the past and present of Día de los Muertos.
Creating Sugar Skull Art
Sugar skulls, or “calaveras de azúcar,” are one of the most iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos. These colorful, decorated skulls represent the spirits of the deceased. Sugar skulls are often placed on altars or “ofrendas” as offerings to honor the departed.
Activity Idea: Sugar Skull Drawing and Decorating Introduce kids to the sugar skull by showing them images or even videos of decorated sugar skulls. After discussing the meaning behind them, have kids design their own sugar skulls using paper or cardboard. Provide various craft supplies like markers, glitter, paint, and sequins for them to decorate their skulls with bright, lively patterns. You can also explain the symbolism of the colors and designs, such as using marigold flowers (the flower of the dead), bright colors to represent joy, and geometric patterns to symbolize eternity.
For younger children, you can simplify the process by providing pre-drawn skull templates that they can color in and embellish.
Extension Activity: 3D Sugar Skulls For a more advanced project, you can make 3D sugar skulls by creating papier-mâché skull molds. After the molds dry, kids can paint and decorate their sugar skulls with their own designs. This project can also double as a lesson in sculpture and design.
Designing ofrendas (Altars)
Ofrendas, or altars, are the heart of Día de los Muertos celebrations. Families create these altars at home to welcome back the spirits of their loved ones. The ofrenda typically includes photographs, candles, food offerings, and flowers.
Activity Idea: Mini Ofrenda Craft A great hands-on activity for kids is to have them design and create their own mini ofrendas. Provide small boxes or shoeboxes as the base for their altars. Kids can decorate the box with papel picado (cut paper), create small photo frames, and add artificial marigolds and candles. Encourage them to include items that represent what the deceased loved one might have enjoyed in life, such as miniature food items or small personal objects that might symbolize the person’s interests.
For older kids, you can discuss the importance of the items placed on an ofrenda, explaining how each offering serves a specific purpose, like the food (to nourish the spirits) or the marigold flowers (to guide the spirits back to the altar).
Learning and Practicing Spanish Vocabulary
Since Día de los Muertos is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, learning some key Spanish vocabulary related to the holiday can help children better understand the tradition. Words such as “calavera” (skull), “ofrenda” (offering), and “pan de muerto” (bread of the dead) are commonly used in Día de los Muertos celebrations.
Activity Idea: Spanish Word Matching Game Create a matching game using Spanish vocabulary words and their English meanings. For example, match “calavera” with “skull,” or “mariposa” (butterfly) with “symbol of the soul’s transformation.” Write the Spanish words on one set of cards and the English translations on another. Kids can play in pairs or small groups, learning the vocabulary through a fun and interactive game. This activity can be a great way to reinforce language learning while teaching about the cultural significance of the holiday.
Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) Baking
One of the most delicious traditions associated with Día de los Muertos is the making of “pan de muerto,” or bread of the dead. This special sweet bread is often shaped like a skull or bones and is enjoyed as part of the offerings placed on the ofrenda.
Activity Idea: Pan de Muerto Baking Bring the holiday to life by baking pan de muerto with your students. You can either make the bread yourself as a class or, if feasible, provide a simple recipe that students can try at home with their families. As you bake, discuss the symbolism of the bread, how it’s prepared, and why it’s an essential part of the celebration.
If baking in the classroom is not an option, consider using playdough or clay to create miniature bread shapes. This provides a tactile experience that helps children understand the food’s role in the festivities while still engaging in the process of creating something related to the holiday.
Day of the Dead Music and Dance
Music and dance play a central role in many Día de los Muertos celebrations. Traditional songs and dances, often featuring vibrant costumes, are performed in honor of the departed, and lively music fills the streets during this time.
Activity Idea: Day of the Dead Dance Party Introduce students to traditional Mexican music and dances, such as the “Jarabe Tapatío” (the Mexican hat dance) or the “La Culebra” (the snake dance). You can either find videos online or invite a local dance instructor to teach the children. Afterward, students can try dancing themselves or even choreograph their own version of a traditional Day of the Dead dance. For added fun, encourage kids to wear colorful clothing or even decorate their own paper marigold flowers to wear as accessories.
Creating Day of the Dead Masks
Masks are often worn during Día de los Muertos celebrations as a way to honor the spirits and bring them back into the world of the living. Kids love making their own masks as a fun way to celebrate this festive holiday.
Activity Idea: Day of the Dead Mask Making Provide students with materials to create their own Día de los Muertos masks. Use colorful feathers, beads, sequins, and glitter to decorate masks. You can either buy blank masks from a craft store or have the kids create their own from paper plates or cardboard. Once the masks are ready, kids can wear them during a classroom celebration or a dance party. This is a great way to engage students in the culture and aesthetics of the holiday while encouraging creativity.
Scavenger Hunt or Fact Search
To wrap up a unit on Día de los Muertos, consider using a scavenger hunt or fact search activity to test what kids have learned about the holiday. This is a great way to review key concepts and engage students in an active learning experience.
Activity Idea: Day of the Dead Scavenger Hunt Prepare fact cards with important information about Día de los Muertos and hide them around the classroom or school grounds. As children search for the cards, they must match them to questions about the holiday, such as “What is the significance of the marigold flower?” or “What is the purpose of an ofrenda?” This activity can be a fun and engaging way for students to reflect on what they’ve learned while being active and excited about the hunt.
At The Kids Point, we are passionate about creating educational experiences that foster curiosity and creativity in children. Día de los Muertos offers a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about a rich cultural tradition that blends history, art, food, and music. These fun and educational activities are designed to engage students of all ages while deepening their understanding of this beautiful holiday. By incorporating crafts, storytelling, and hands-on learning, children can explore the significance of Día de los Muertos in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Celebrate the Day of the Dead with these activities and create lasting memories while honoring the lives of those who have passed.