Dia de les Muertes – The Day of the Dead

Despite the spooky name, this Mexican festival is an opportunity to explore positive themes of love, remembrance and family.  The Mexican Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a vibrant cultural celebration that can offer a rich learning experience for children.

Here are some creative ways to introduce this tradition into the classroom.

Create an Ofrenda (altar): Set up a classroom altar where students can contribute photos or drawings of loved ones or pets they wish to honour.

Paper Marigolds Craft: Teach students how to make colourful marigold flowers out of tissue paper, a symbol used during the celebration.

Decorate Sugar Skulls: Provide paper templates or sugar skull kits for children to decorate in bright colours.

Storytelling: Share traditional Mexican folktales related to the Day of the Dead, highlighting the positive themes of remembrance and family.

Discussion on Cultural Significance: Engage the class in a conversation about how different cultures celebrate and remember their ancestors, promoting inclusivity and understanding. These activities can help children explore the rich cultural heritage of Día de los Muertos while fostering creativity and cultural awareness.