HISTORY This holiday dates back hundreds of years to an Aztec festival. ( Aztecs lived from 1100 to 1520 ) This is a holiday that celebrates the LIFE of a loved one who has passed. Celebrated in Mexico on November 1 st and 2 nd. Nov 1 st -for children & Nov 2 nd for adults.

Traditions Ofrendas or alters are made with love to pay tribute to the dead. Usually items that your loved one enjoyed in life are placed on the alters. This is done with hopes of making their return home pleasant and familiar. Alters come in all sizes. They can be a whole front porch or made out of a match book. -What are some “offerings” you might put on a alter for your loved ones?

Alters (or) Ofrenda

Sugar Skulls & Calavera ( OH! And by the way…Calavera means skull in Spanish. ) Traditional folk art items that are made during and for this holiday. Both are used as offerings on alters. Sugar skulls will sometimes include the name of deceased written in frosting on its forehead. Calavera can be 2D or 3D, meaning they can be on paper or actual masks that can be worn.

Calacus (Calacus means skeleton in Spanish. ) Yet another traditional form of folk art used to help celebrate day of the dead. They come in all shapes and sizes, from very tiny to larger than life.

Papel Picados (Papel Picado means punched paper in Spanish) Papel Picado is a traditional folk art cut from tissue paper or plastic. Detailed patterns are cut into the paper depicting Day of the Dead scenes, such as skeletons celebrating.

Pan De Muertos ( Pan De Muertos means dead bread in Spanish ) This is a biscotti style bread only served during Day of the Dead. It is used as a offering on alters. It is meant to look like there are bones on top.

Marigolds & Caronas A carona is a wreath made of flowers usually placed on a alter or grave. Marigolds are the traditional flower used to celebrate Day of the Dead.

Your projects ART I- 1.Papel Picado Memorials *100pts 2.Skull Garland *50pts 3.Tissue Paper flowers *50pts 4.Alter offerings *50pts Total points = 250 _____________________________________ ART II/III- 1. Personal Alter*100pts 2. Skull masks *100pts 3. Tissue Paper Flowers *50pts Total points = 250 NOTE: ALL PROJECTS ARE DUE BY Oct 31 st, In time to celebrate Day of the Dead on Nov 1 st & 2 nd.