Let's celebrate Día de Los Muertos!
Día de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a beautiful, cultural celebration that honors the lives of those who have passed away. It is not a sad or scary holiday, rather a joyful and colorful one. Growing up in Southern California, I have fond memories of celebrating Día De Los Muertos with my family down in Mexico. On November 1 or 2, we would visit my grandmother’s grave and decorate it with colorful marigolds and roses. As our family decorated and cleaned, we shared beautiful memories of her. Now as a Montessori teacher, I share this tradition with the children in my classroom.
At home, I have shared some of these traditions with my own children.
During the end of October, we create an ofrenda with photos of our loved ones that have passed, and we add candles, marigold garland and their favorite foods. My children love to look at photos and listen to stories of their grandfathers and other relatives that have passed away. It is a wonderful way to really celebrate their lives and the history of our family. It is a special experience to be able to continue to honor our loved ones.
Here are some fun and culturally appropriate activities that you can do with young children or elementary aged children:
Read books about Día de los Muertos: There are many children’s books about Dia de Los Muertos that you can read with your children to help them learn about the holiday.
The Day of the Dead: A Bilingual Celebration
Look at photos and retell stories: Reminisce! Sit down with your child and look at photos and retell joyful stories about your loved ones.
Create an alter/ofrenda: An ofrenda is a special place where you can remember your loved ones who have passed away. You can create an ofrenda with your children by placing photos of your loved ones, candles, flowers, and other items that remind you of them.
Make a Marigold Garland
Marigolds are traditional flowers used to decorate ofrenda. They are easy to make with your child! All you need is thin floral wire and fresh marigolds.
1. Cut the flower right where the stem starts. Continue this until you have a pile of colorful marigolds.
2. Cut floral wire to your desired length. Using the wire as a “needle” you will start from the bottom and push the wire through the top (the petals). Continue this step until you create your garland.
For older children:
Make sugar skulls: Sugar skulls are a traditional part of Día de los Muertos celebration. You can make them at home using sugar, water, and meringue powder. Once the skulls are dry, you can decorate them with icing, sequins, and other embellishments.
Bake Pan de Muerto: Pan de muerto is a sweet bread that is traditionally baked and eaten during Día de los Muertos. Recipe here!
Make papel picado: Papel picado is a type of Mexican art that involves cutting intricate designs into tissue paper or crepe paper. You can make papel picado with your children by folding the paper and cutting out different shapes and designs.
These activities can help your children learn about the meaning and history of the celebration while also remembering their loved ones who have passed away.
by Melissa Lari