The end of October is the time of all things spooky and spooky. Pumpkins, ghosts and skeletons galore. But occasionally all of these Halloween things get confused with a popular Hispanic holiday: the Day of the Dead.
You may have seen depictions of this holiday with calaveras (skulls and skeletons), marigolds, or pan de muerto (sweet bread). If you are familiar with this holiday or would like to learn facts about Día de los Muertos or ideas for celebrating, read on to learn all about this treasured holiday.
What is Dia de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos in Spanish, or the Day of the Dead in English, is a two-day celebration of those who have died. During this time, tradition has it that the spirits of loved ones come back to visit their family and spend time with them while remembering them.1
When is the Day of the Dead celebrated?
Traditionally, this two-day celebration lasts from November 1st to 2nd. The first day commemorates deceased infants and children, the second day commemorates adults.2
Traditions of Día de los Muertos
There are many ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos. Traditionally, families go to the resting place of their loved ones to remember them and celebrate their lives. But even if they can’t physically be there (or if there isn’t a physical place to visit), you can create an ofrenda (an offering) and hang photos of them or mementos they liked on an altar.1
You’ll also notice that Día de los Muertos celebrations often include marigolds. These flowers make excellent decorations because their unique scent and bright colors are said to help guide people who have crossed over from the land of the dead to the land of the living.2
Day of the Dead Food
When visiting a loved one’s final resting place or setting up their ofrenda at home, people traditionally bring their favorite foods from their time. Pan de muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead) is a sweet bread that families can enjoy, but also keep for their relatives when they come to the land of the living.3
What are the differences between Halloween and Day of the Dead?
Even though they’re close together on the calendar, Halloween and Day of the Dead have nothing in common. Halloween, originally All Saints Day, began as a festival to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.4
On the other hand, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of remembrance. Yes, there are calaveras and mentions of long-dead loved ones crossing the border to spend time with you, but there’s nothing sinister about it – quite the opposite. It’s about honoring your loved ones, celebrating their lives and wishing them happiness and contentment in the afterlife.
Día de los Muertos activities and crafts for children
There are many ways to learn more about Day of the Dead and the traditions of this popular holiday. For example, if your child wants to build an ofrenda at home but doesn’t have enough space for it, you can make a smaller version by incorporating all the elements into a smaller, portable altar the size of a shoebox.
You can also try making pan de muertos, paper marigolds, calaveras de azúcar and handmade frames. These crafts and activities can be used to decorate an oven or to teach children about this holiday.
Remember: Even though there are many decorations and even costumes representing Day of the Dead, this is a special holiday in the Hispanic community and an integral part of their culture. Be aware of the fine line between appreciation and appropriation, especially if you are not part of this community.
Day of the Dead films
Although this holiday celebrates those we love who have died, death and loss of people is still a complex topic with difficult feelings. Sometimes, especially for younger children, a family movie is the best way to learn about Day of the Dead. Checkout “Coco“from Disney and accompany young Miguel on his journey to learn more about his family and a visit to the land of the dead.
Another great movie for the family is “The book of life.” This film follows a trio of friends who meet many mythological characters in the land of the living and the land of the dead, such as Xibalba, La Muerte and the Candlemaker. Ultimately, the main character Manolo has to face his fears of being reunited with his family and his sweetheart.
Día de los Muertos books for children and songs
Reading and singing are great ways to start or end a day full of activities while learning about the Day of the Dead.
Día de los Muertos (Celebrate the World)
This is a simple starter board book for young readers or storytelling to learn some of the basics of Día de los Muertos and its meaning.
Mi Familia: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
Join Valentina as she celebrates Día de Los Muertos with her family and learns more about their family history.
The Ghost of Tío Fernando: A Tale of the Day of the Dead
Follow Nando as he and his mother prepare for Día de los Muertos to remember his Uncle Fernando.
A Gift for Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
When Rosita loses her grandmother, she remembers and celebrates her life on Día de los Muertos.
Children’s song about the Day of the Dead
This song is inspired by Día de los Muertos traditions, storytelling, singing, dancing and more.
Sesame Street: Día de los Muertos
Sing and dance with friends from “Sesame Street” as Rosita prepares to celebrate and remember her loved ones.
Día de los Muertos is a well-known and beloved Hispanic holiday that celebrates deceased loved ones and allows families to remember their time in this shared life. Discover all the facts and traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead through activities, learning opportunities and films that remind us that even though our loved ones are gone, they will never be forgotten and will live on in our hearts and memories.
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