Dia de los Muertos The Day of the Dead

Dia de los Muertos A holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Mexican Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs after Halloween on Nov. 1 st and 2nd (All Saints and All Souls Days).

Dia de los Muertos Traditions connected with the holiday include building altars to honor the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and favorite foods and beverages of the departed. Families also visit the deceased’s graves with these offerings as gifts.

Day of the Dead Offerings

Dia de los Muertos Due to the occurring of the holiday shortly after Halloween, the Day of the Dead is thought to be similar. Actually the 2 have little in common. Scholars trace the holiday all the way back to an ancient Aztec festival. Skulls have become a symbol of the holiday because 2,500-3,000 years ago it was common to keep skulls and display them during rituals symbolizing death and rebirth.

Dia de los Muertos In Mexico Nov 1. All Saints Day celebrates infants and children who have passed away. It is called “Dia de los Inocentes” Day of the Innocents or “Dia de los Angelitos” or Day of the Little Angels” Nov 2. is for the adults.

Dia de los Muertos People go to the cemeteries with the intention of visiting the souls of their loved ones. The whole tone is celebratory and sometimes humorous as people tell funny stories and anecdotes about the departed. Toys are left behind for the children.

Dia de los Muertos Pillows and blankets are also often left so that the dead may rest after their long journey to the afterlife. Families also write “calaveras” or funny epitaph’s for the dead.

How to Begin: Wire Armature

Add tin foil/ masking tape

Wrap with plaster cloth

Allow to dry Decide who your character will be Identify important features of that character Ex: Firefighter needs hat, jacket, boots, hose. Possible materials Acrylic paint/ paint markers Fabric paint Felt/ yarn Found objects Use your imagination!