1. 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

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

3. Cosas interesantes de México Spanish is spoken in México. It has thirty-one states. The country’s capital is Mexico City, or Ciudad de México, DF [Distrito Federal].

4. Más cosas interesantes - México’s largest native groups were the Mayans and Aztecs. These civilizations were very talented in mathematics, writing, arte, architecture, and trade.

5. La bandera de México Verde, blanco, rojo

6. El Día de los Muertos

7. Read all about it…….. What is it? What is it? El Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexico holiday honoring loved ones lost. El Día de los Muertos is not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing. El Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexico holiday honoring loved ones lost. El Día de los Muertos is not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing. It is a festive, joyous time of celebration. Day of the Dead is Mexico's most important holiday, which means they invest a lot of time and money into celebrating Dia de los Muertos, more so than any other holiday. It is a festive, joyous time of celebration. Day of the Dead is Mexico's most important holiday, which means they invest a lot of time and money into celebrating Dia de los Muertos, more so than any other holiday. When is it? When is it? Although November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead, it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. Although November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead, it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. Where is it celebrated? Where is it celebrated? It is celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and other areas in Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic background. It is celebrated in Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and other areas in Central and South America populated with the Latino ethnic background. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the United States, such as California, Texas, Arizona, and many others, in which the Mexican/American heritage exists. The Day of the Dead is also celebrated in areas of the United States, such as California, Texas, Arizona, and many others, in which the Mexican/American heritage exists.

8. Traditions- Altars In the homes families arrange ofrendas or "altars" with flowers, bread, fruit and candy. Pictures of the passed family members are added. In the late afternoon, special all night burning candles are lit. Altars should include: In the homes families arrange ofrendas or "altars" with flowers, bread, fruit and candy. Pictures of the passed family members are added. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Tradiciones: Desfiles (Parades)/ Fiestas en las calles (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.

15. Nuestras diferencias 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 also leave flowers for them, and reconnect with their loved ones.