Mini learning targets 1.I will be able to talk about Mexico as a country. 2.I will be able to discuss the holiday called “Día de los muertos.” México

¿Dónde está México? México is the country, país, that borders the United States in the south. Población : 118,395,054

Todo sobre México Spanish is spoken in México, but was brought by Spaniards. Spanish is spoken in México, but was brought by Spaniards. It has 31 states. It has 31 states. The country’s capital is Mexico City, or Ciudad de México, DF [Distrito Federal]. The country’s capital is Mexico City, or Ciudad de México, DF [Distrito Federal].

Cosas interesantes  México’s largest native groups were the Mayans and Aztecs.  These civilizations were very talented in mathematics, writing, arte, architecture, and trade.  Spanish conquistadores arrived in México in 1519.

La bandera de México Verde, blanco, rojo

El Día de los Muertos

¿Qué? What is it? What is it? El Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday honoring loved ones lost. El Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday honoring loved ones lost. It’s not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing. It’s not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing. It is a festive, joyous time of celebration. It is a festive, joyous time of celebration. Most important holiday, which means they invest a lot of time and money into celebrating. Most important holiday, which means they invest a lot of time and money into celebrating. When is it? When is it? Although November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead Although November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead It is celebrated between October 31 st - November 2nd. It is celebrated between October 31 st - November 2nd. Where is it celebrated? Where is it celebrated? In Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic background. In Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic background. Areas of the southern United States, such as California, Texas, and Arizona, where there are a high population of Mexicans. Areas of the southern United States, such as California, Texas, and Arizona, where there are a high population of Mexicans.

Traditions: Skeletons Las calaveras (skulls) are found everywhere. Edible chocolate and white chocolate skeletons are made to put at altars and to share. Las calaveras (skulls) are found everywhere. Edible chocolate and white chocolate skeletons are made to put at altars and to share. Handmade skeleton figurines, called calacas, are especially popular. Calacas usually show an active and joyful afterlife. Figures of musicians, generals on horseback, even skeletal brides, in their white bridal gowns marching down the aisles with their boney grooms. Handmade skeleton figurines, called calacas, are especially popular. Calacas usually show an active and joyful afterlife. Figures of musicians, generals on horseback, even skeletal brides, in their white bridal gowns marching down the aisles with their boney grooms.

Traditions: Food Pan de Muertos Pan de Muertos Special loaves of egg bread are baked, called pan de muertos, and decorated with "bones. Special loaves of egg bread are baked, called pan de muertos, and decorated with "bones.

Traditions: Flowers During El día de los muertos, the yellow marigold symbolizes the short duration of life. During El día de los muertos, the yellow marigold symbolizes the short duration of life. Other flowers commonly seen during this celebration include the white amaryllis, wild orchids, baby's breath and ruby coxcombs are offered as adornment and enticement for the returning spirits. Other flowers commonly seen during this celebration include the white amaryllis, wild orchids, baby's breath and ruby coxcombs are offered as adornment and enticement for the returning spirits. Wreaths made of flowers, both real and plastic, are often placed near or on the remembrance sites and altars Wreaths made of flowers, both real and plastic, are often placed near or on the remembrance sites and altars

Traditions: Papel Picado Papel Picado is a traditional art used to decorate homes, businesses, markets and altars in preparation for the Day of the Dead. Papel Picado is a traditional art used to decorate homes, businesses, markets and altars in preparation for the Day of the Dead. The thin tissue paper images are usually cut in large quantities and hung in repetitious patterns. The thin tissue paper images are usually cut in large quantities and hung in repetitious patterns.

Traditions- Altars In the homes families arrange ofrendas or "altars" with flowers, bread, fruit and candy. In the homes families arrange ofrendas or "altars" with flowers, bread, fruit and candy. In the late afternoon, special all night burning candles are lit. Altars should include: In the late afternoon, special all night burning candles are lit. Altars should include: A picture of the one being remembered A picture of the one being remembered Items they likes Items they likes Something to snack on Something to snack on Candles Candles Flowers Flowers Gifts Gifts

Traditions: Cemeteries People go to the cemeteries to clean up and decorate the graves of their loved ones. People go to the cemeteries to clean up and decorate the graves of their loved ones. They leave food, drinks, gifts, flowers, and play music that they enjoyed. They leave food, drinks, gifts, flowers, and play music that they enjoyed. They will even picnic there with their family and friends in honor of them. They will even picnic there with their family and friends in honor of them. They also burn incense and candles. They also burn incense and candles.

Traditionals:Parades/ Street Parties For the public, children, teens, and adults dress up in traditional costumes, and paint their faces to remember their loved ones. For the public, children, teens, and adults dress up in traditional costumes, and paint their faces to remember their loved ones.

Seems odd doesn’t it??? For those who did not grow up in a culture that celebrates such a holiday, these practices and rituals might seem odd. Keep in mind that in the United States, it is common for people to visit the graves of their family members and friends. Many see Memorial Day as similar. Many also leave flowers for them, and reconnect with their loved ones.