Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead
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Calacas & Calaveras Abound During Dia de los Muertos
Although occurring around the same time of the year as Halloween, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, celebrated in many Latin American countries, is a very different holiday, with a very different focus.
This festival to celebrate the unity of life and death, is considered by many to be the most important holiday of the year in Mexico and other Latin American countries. It is the time once a year, when the spirits of loved ones who have died, return to earth to celebrate this holiday with friends and family.
Calacas and Calaveras (Skeletons and Skulls) are prominently featured in many of the Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead celebrations, not as objects of fear, but as ways of mocking death.
In addition to the Latin American countries, Dia de los Muertos is also celebrated in many regions in the United States, Brazil and the Philippines.
Even if not traditionally from your cultural background, Dia de los Muertos is a unique way of keeping the memories alive of those who have died.
Contents at a Glance
- Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos
- Books about Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos
- Is Dia de los Muertos the same as Halloween?
Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos
October 31 marks the beginning of the fiesta of what we refer to in the United States as the Day of the Dead - El dia de los Muertos.Commonly referred to as the Day of the Dead, it is more accurate to say Los Dias de los Muertos (the Days of the Dead), since the fiesta is several days long, from October 31 - November 2.
The dates may coincide with Halloween, yet Day of the Dead is not related to the All Hallows' Eve celebrated in the States. The Day of the Dead is a day for people to celebrate the lives and the memories of those who have crossed the river separating life from death. It is a time when the departed souls are allowed to come back to the world for a visit.
Daily Activities
On October 31 (our Halloween) families begin preparing the food, decorations and the altar (ofrenda) that will be used during the festivities. November 1 (All Saints' Day*) is the day that the angelitos (spirits of the dead children) arrive. November 2 (All Souls' Day*) is the day for the spirits of the adults arrival.
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* All Saints' Day is a feast celebrated in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. For the Roman Catholic Church, All Saints' Day honors those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven. It is celebrated on November 1.
* All Souls' Day is the day in Western Christianity, commemorating the faithful departed. This day is observed especially in the Roman Catholic Church but to some extent also among Protestants. It is celebrated on November 2.
Source: Wikipedia. Day of the Dead.
Image Source: Miguel Ugalde. Deth's Coming. Royalty Free Use.
Books about Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos
Available on Amazon
Day Of The Dead Through The Eyes Of The Soul: Mexico City (Great Heartlanders Series)
Amazon Price: $22.00 (as of 07/11/2009) 
Skulls to the Living, Bread to the Dead: The Day of the Dead in Mexico and Beyond
Amazon Price: $21.24 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Days of the Dead: Mexico's Festival of Communion with the Departed
Amazon Price: $18.25 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Skeleton at the Feast: The Day of the Dead in Mexico
Amazon Price: $23.07 (as of 07/11/2009)
Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico - Michoacan (Through the Eyes of the Soul, Day of the Dead in Mexico)
Amazon Price: $20.44 (as of 07/11/2009)
Is Dia de los Muertos the same as Halloween?
A Look at these two Fall Holidays
Dia de los Muertos is often compared to Halloween in part because they both have skeletons and skulls as decorations. These two fall festival celebrations are very different, with very different origins.Halloween is based on a European holiday, All Hallows Eve, the day before All Hallows Day or All Saints' Day (November 1). It was a day of religious festivities in various northern European Pagan traditions.
The skeletons and skulls in Halloween (along with the other monsters, demons, goblins and witches) are objects of fear.
Mark Lacy with Houston's Institute for Culture offers these insights into the Day of the Dead and Halloween:
Much like El Día de los Muertos, Halloween was developed by prehistoric cultures -- Druids, Romans, and Celtics -- to live harmoniously in the cycle of the seasons, the harvest, and most importantly, the continuous circle of life.
Mexicans understand El Dia de los Muertos in much the same light-hearted context that many Americans understand Halloween.
With the pervasiveness of American mass culture on the airwaves, the renewed pride in local culture is seen particularly in El Día de los Muertos, as altars are displayed in public places, civic buildings, libraries, and even in the heart of the beast -- McDonald's and Wal-mart.
Sources:
Ladislao Loera. About Dia de los Muertos. Dia De Los Muertos | Day of the Dead Website.
Lacy M. 2004. Origina of el dia de los Muertos. The Prehispanic Festival of the Dead Defies Cultural Invasions of Mexico. Houston Institute for Culture.
Photo Source:
Indigo Goat. Meeter and Greeter at fiesta Mehicana. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
Keeping a Vigil for Dia de Los Muertos Print
A Different Cultural Perspective of Death - Death is Familiar
- The word death is not pronounced in New York, in Paris, in London, because it burns the lips.
The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it; it is one of his favorite toys and his most steadfast love.
Octavio Paz
Nobel laureate
Image Source: Zeldaloo Studios. Day of the Dead Sugar Skull. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
Skulls and Skeletons for Day of the Dead Sections
Day of the Dead Photographic Print
More Resources on Day of the Dead
- Day of the Dead - Dia De Los Muertos
- Day of the Dead, azcentral.com's coverage of Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, a three-day Mexican holiday to honor and celebrate loved ones who have died.
- Day of the Dead in Mexico
- Day of the Dead website. Features award winning author and photographer, Mary J. Andrade as she explores the rich history and tradition surrounding the Day of the Dead ritual in Mexico.
- Mexican Tradition - Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos
- The Day of the Dead - A time when Mexico honors those gone but not forgotten.
- Day of the Dead, El Dia de Muertos
- One of the most beautiful and meaningful rituals is El Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, and particularly impressive is the celebration that takes place in Janitzio,Michoacan.
- Dia De Los Muertos | Day of the Dead: Day of the Dead
- Dedicated to the Mexican holiday, el dia de los muertos - Day of the Dead. Information on altar making, the history of the holiday and Day of the Dead art.
- Traditions of Mexico - El Dia de los Muertos y Mas
- An extensive look at the Traditions of Mexico, in particular Dia de los Muertos by the Houston Institute for Culture.
- The Altar - Day of the Dead in Mexico
- The Day of the Dead celebration includes an altar and offerings dedicated to the deceased from the award winning Day of the Dead in Mexico site.
- Day of The Dead Blog
- Author Mary J. Andrade shares her shares her experiences about the celebration of the Day of the Dead tradition in Mexico, the United States and other parts of the world.
Using Skulls and Skeletons to Teach Children About Dia de los Muertos
Desentizing Children to Death
In Mexico, children are often given skeleton toys, as a representation of death, so their first encounter with death isn't a fearful one. Playing with the skeleton toys helps teach children that life is for the living, and is to be lived until the time we die.Teaching children to be less fearful of skeletons as representations of death is something that I have been working on for a few years. I have developed special teaching sessions for both of my daughters' classes around our Halloween using skeleton puzzles as a way to desensitize them to skeletons. These activities, projects and suggestions have been collected in the Doin' the Bone Dance Lens.
These activities could be easily used or modified with the Day of the Dead and Dia de los Muertos.
There are several points when developing activities to help children be less fearful of skeletons:
- 1. Develop other (more realistic) views of skulls and skeletons rather than just as an object of death
2. Find ways of remembering and honoring loved ones.
3. Desensitize the children to skeletons as objects to fear during the Day of the Dead.
4. Use skulls and skeletons as a way of celebrating the life of a loved on who has died.
5. Learn a bit about anatomy.
Day of the Dead Activities Suitable for Children
Printable Modules for Teachers and Parents
- Day of the Dead Activities Brochure
- A Day of the Dead Activity Sheet for children created by the Tohono Chul Park in Arizona featuring information on making a La Ofrenda, Calaveras de Azucar, a Papel Picado pattern.
- Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos - For Teachers
- Day of the Dead educational material for teachers and students.
- Day of the Dead Education Packet
- PDF File of the Azcentral.com's extensive this extensive education packet as part of their Dia de los Muertos site. The packet includes puzzles, coloring pages, Papel Picado lesson plan with template, a Calavera mask and Skeleton puppet.
- Lesson Plan - Day of the Dead, or "Dia de los Muertos"
- A lesson plan for celebrating Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos developed for 4th - 5th grade level by Andrea Pretti.
- Mexico's Day of the Dead (Lesson Plan) - TeacherVision.com
- Students can gain an understanding that various cultures have differing views of life and death by by studying the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos.
- Dia De Los Muertos Lesson Plan 1 - Remembering
- The purpose of this lesson is to show children how the lives of people can be celebrated by remembering the lives of people that have died and give them a connection to relatives or others they may no longer have with them.
Day of the Dead Crafts in the Amazon Spotlight
Day of the Dead Crafts: More than 24 Projects that Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/11/2009)
Day of the Dead Crafts is filled with many of terrific projects that allow people to creatively participate in the excitement of the holiday.
Projects include Calaveras, Masks and Skulls, Ofrendas, Necklaces, Bracelets and more.
More Day of the Dead Craft Items Available on Amazon
Mexican Folk Art Coloring Book (Dover Coloring Book)
Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Day of the Dead Placemats & Crayons Art Set
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Masks: Curiosity Kits Day of the Dead Masks
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Day of the Dead Coloring Cards & Crayons
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Books for Children about Day of the Dead
Available on Amazon
Felipa and the Day of the Dead
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/11/2009)
Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration (Multilingual Edition)
Amazon Price: $12.44 (as of 07/11/2009)
Day of the Dead
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 07/11/2009)
Celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead with Cristina and Her Blue Bunny (Stories to Celebrate)
Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Helping Children Remember those Who have Died
A Family Celebration of Life and Death
People prepare special meals and decorations, sit on the decorated graves, share stories and memories, sing songs, play music, spending the night with the spirits of their departed loved ones.
Many people not raised with the tradition of the Day of the Dead find solace in this lighter, cheerful, family-oriented approach to the subject of death. Dia de los Muertos is a unique way of keeping the memories alive of those who have died.
More Day of the Day Books for Children
Available on Amazon
I Remember Abuelito / Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Un Cuento Del Dia De Los Muertos (Spanish Edition)
Amazon Price: $13.25 (as of 07/11/2009)
El Dia De Los Muertos: The Day of the Dead (Rookie Read-About Holidays)
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Festival of Bones / El Festival de las Calaveras: The Little-Bitty Book for the Day of the Dead (Spanish Edition)
Amazon Price: $11.66 (as of 07/11/2009)
The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story/El Espiritu De Tio Fernando : Una Historia Del Dia De Los Muertos
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life and Death (First Facts)
Amazon Price: $21.26 (as of 07/11/2009)
Calacas and Calaveras - Skeletons and Skulls
As with Halloween, Calacas (Skeletons) and Calaveras (Skulls) are prominently featured in all of the celebrations and activities for the Day of the Dead.People wear calacas (skull) masks and dance to remember their deceased relatives. Celebrants may joke and make fun of death, represented by the Calaveras, the skeletons.
Skulls in different forms are dedicated to the dead relatives and placed on altars. Sugar, chocolate and amaranth skulls are created with the name of the dead person on the skull's forhead and then given to each other, so they can eat their own death.
Photo Source:
Jait. Day of the Dead Candy. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
Day of the Dead Skeleton Mariachis Print
Day of the Dead Skulls and Skeletons
Available on Amazon
Vote for your favorite Day of the Dead - Dia de Los Muertos items.
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Dias de los Muertos Mighty Magnets Set of 10 magnets
Each magnet in this Lucy Lu Mighty Magnet 10-piece more...0 points
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Day of the Dead Calendar - 2007
This 14 month Day of the Dead Art calendar runs No more...0 points
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Sunny Buick Sugar Skulls Journal
'In my art death isn't something dark and scary. I more...0 points
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Dias de los Muertos Mighty Magnets Set of 10 magnets
Each magnet in this Lucy Lu Mighty Magnet 10-piece more...0 points
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Day of the Dead - Juniors/Girly T-Shirt
This Day of the Dead t-shirt is 100% Fine Jersey C more...0 points
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Day of the Dead Skulls on Short Sleeve Toddler Fine Jersey T-shirt
Day of the Dead Skulls on Short Sleeve Toddler Fin more...0 points
11
Mexican Folk Art Coloring Book (Dover Coloring Book) by Marty Noble
Striking adaptations of authentic native art depic more...0 points
12
Day of the Dead Wedding, 6 X 6 Decorative Wall Tile
This is a ceramic Day of the Dead Decor 6 x 6 Wall more...0 points
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Three Sisters- On the Day of the Dead Holidays Giclee Poster Print by Terra Laurant, 16x20
Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art pri more...0 points
15
Dia de los Muertos Mask - Cosmo
Perfect Dia de los Muertos, Halloween or Mardi Gra more...0 points
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Masks: Curiosity Kits Day of the Dead Masks
Make you own day of the dead masks with this wonde more...0 points
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Dia De Los Muertos - Juniors/Girly T-Shirt, Baby Blue, X-Large
This Dia De Los Muertos t-shirt is 100% Fine Jerse more...0 points
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Day of the Dead 2009 Wall Calendar
This wall calendar measure 11 × 17 when opened. T more...0 points
Day of the Dead Skeletons and Skulls on Flickr
A collection of Calacas and Calavaras from the Dia de los Muertos.
Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos on Ebay
Day of the Dead and Dia de los Muertos items and products on from Ebay.
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A Cultural View of Death and Posada's Skeletons
The popular engravings of Mexican artist Antonio Guadalupe Posada resemble the woodcuts of the medieval danse macabre, in which people from all walks of life danced fearfully with their own skeletons, although Posada's skeletons seem to have no anxious premonitions about death.
Source:
DeSpelder LA. Strickland AL. 2005. The Last Dance: Encountering Death and Dying. 7th Edition. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill.
A Squidoo Lens on the Artwork of Day of the Dead
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Day of the Dead Art
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History, information and opinions on Day of the Dead, a celebrated holiday in Mexico, and the effect it has on the world at large.
Silver and Sparkly - Skulls and Skeleton
Skulls and Skeleton Jewelry on Amazon
La Calavera de la Catrina
La Calavera de la Catrina is a 1913 zinc etching by the deceased printmaker José Guadalupe Posada.While not popular in its time, the image of La Catrina has since become a staple of Mexican imagery, and is often incorporated into artistic representations of the Day of the Dead such as altars (ofrendas) and calavera costumes.
It was part of his series of calaveras, which were humorous images of contemporary figures depicted as skeletons, often accompanied by a poem.
Image Source:
"Calavera de la Catrina" by José Guadalupe Posada. Public Domain due to Age.
La Catrina Art Work Print
More Images of La Catrina
La Catrina is a figure commonly found in Mexico and featured during the celebration of the Day of the Dead.La Catrina is a figure created by the Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posadas in the early 1900's. The word catrin or catrina means well dressed or dressed very elegant.
Posadas, satirize the mexican women of high society by representing them as skulls and skeletons. These were the ladies who enjoyed walking in the parks of Mexico City, with their beautiful hats and elegant dresses.
Todays La Catrina has become a classic representation of the Death in Mexico, with her big hat and elegant presence. La Catrina has become an icon of the Day of the death.
Image Source:
Wikipedia. Wikimedia. Dominik. Catrina Sculpture. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
La Catrina on CafePress
La Catrina skeleton Jr. Jersey T-Shirt
Price: 26.99
La Calavera Catrina Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Price: 23.99
La Catrina skeleton Women's Pink T-Shirt
Price: 22.99
La Calavera Catrina Hooded Sweatshirt
Price: 39.99
La Calavera Catrina Organic Cotton Tee
Price: 24.99
More La Catrina Items on CafePress
Sweatshirt
Price: 29.99
Calaveras Women's Cap Sleeve T-Shirt
Price: 21.99
Zapatista Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Price: 25.99
La Catrina White T-Shirt
Price: 18.99
Calaveritas White T-Shirt
Price: 20.99
Calaveras de azucar (Sugar Skulls)
Combinging Elements of Life and Death
Calavaras de azucar (sugar skulls) are sweet way of combining life and death:- Death - in the skull design
Life - in the sweetness of the sugar.
The Calavaras are often placed on the altar or ofrenda as a way of honoring those who have died.
Eating the sugar skulls also part of the celebration...as a way of mocking death.
Photo Source:
Stu Spivack. Candy Skull. Some rights reserved. Creative Commons.
Sugar Skulls - Calaveras de azucar
Available on Amazon
Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skull) Molds on eBay
Make your own Calaveras de Azucar as a fun activity with your children.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byDay of the Dead, Sugar Skull Candy Print
More on Making Sugar Skulls
Calavaras de Azucar or Calaveres de dulces is another traditional folk art form from Southern Mexico passed down. Colorful Sugar skulls are created to use in celebrating and decorating for the Day of the Dead.Making and decorating Sugar skulls is also a fun activity that can be done with children as a way of introducing the to another culture and the Day of the Dead traditions.
Once made Calavaras de Azucar are used to decorate ofrendas (altars) and taken to the cemetery to decorate the tombs.
Photo Source:
Stu Spivack. Calaveres de dulces. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
- Sugar Skull Making Instructions
- Make sugar skulls as part of your family tradition to remember your dear, departed loved ones.
- Making Sugar Skulls for Day of The Dead
- From the GourmetSleuth instructions and recipes for making sugar skulls for Dia de los Muertos.
- Sugar Skulls Recipe
- Sugar Skulls Recipe for Calaveras de Alfeñique from Inside Mexico.
- Make someone's Dia with candy skulls
- Traditional sugar skulls are a must-have element of any Dia de los Muertos ofrenda or fiesta. The palm-size calacas (skulls) are made from granulated sugar, water and touch of meringue powder and then pushed into plastic molds.
- Sugar Skull - Mexican Sugar Skull
- From azcentral.com a recipe for Day of the Dead Sugar Skull.
- Sugar Skull Making Project
- How to make sugar skulls for the Day Of The Dead.
Calaveras de Azucar - Edible or Merely Decorative
While there is nothing in the ingredients that will make you sick in Sugar Skulls except for the tin foil and other decorations, after all the handling that is done to create them, they may not be very clean. So according to one artisan, sugar skull should be used for decorative purposes only.
If you are looking for an edible skull artisans recommend making them in white or dark chocolate and just using icing to decorate them.
Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls from CafePress
Jumble of Sugar Skulls Note Cards (Pk of 10)
Price: 19.99
Small Poster
Price: 16.79
Courtship Postcards (Package of 8)
Price: 8.99
Pan de Muertos - Bread of the Dead
Pan de Muertos is a sweet egg bread made in various shapes. This Bread of the Dead is often formed in the shape of a skull, or a round loaf with strips of dough attached to resemble bones.The bread is sometimes decorated white frosting to look like twisted bones.
Each village has its own unique style of Pan de Muertos that is prepared and placed on the altars (Ofrendas) for the deceased.
Pan de Muertos is prepared for Dia de los Muertos and then shared with family members. The bread is usually eaten as they all tell stories and reminisce about loved ones who have died.
Pan de Muertos Recipe
Ingredients:1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
5 to 5-1/2 cups flour
2 packages dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon whole anise seed
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
In a saucepan over medium flame, heat the butter, milk and water until very warm but not boiling.
Meanwhile, measure out 1-1/2 cups flour and set the rest aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1-1/2 cups flour, yeast, salt, anise seed and sugar.
Beat in the warm liquid until well combined. Add the eggs and beat in another 1 cup of flour.
Continue adding more flour until dough is soft but not sticky.
Knead on lightly floured board for ten minutes until smooth and elastic.
Lightly grease a bowl and place dough in it, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1-1/2 hours.
Punch the dough down and shape into loaves resembling skulls, skeletons or round loaves with "bones" placed ornamentally around the top.
Let these loaves rise for 1 hour.
Bake in a preheated 350 F degree oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and paint on glaze (recipe below).
Glaze:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then apply to bread with a pastry brush. If desired, sprinkle on colored sugar while glaze is still damp.
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Source: Day of the Dead. Tohono Chul Park Activity Brochure.
Photo Source:
Rogerio Enríquez. Ofrenda Día. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
Rogerio Enríquez. Ofrenda Noche. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
Pan de Muertos - Bread of the Dead on Flickr
Some of the many variations of Pan de Muertos, Bread of the Dead.
![pan de muertos by [sic]](http://static.flickr.com/111/288500077_4ca2d1cbcd_s.jpg)
Day of the Dead Bread Print
Pan de Muerto Recipe for Dia de los Muertos
- Pan de Muerto Day of the Dead Recipe
- A Pan de Muerto Recipe to make the Bread of the Dead.
- Pan de Muertos - Day of the Dead
- Another recipe for Bread of the Dead from Mexico Connect.
- Traditions of Mexico - Pan de Muerto
- Recipe from Houston Institute for Culture, Traditions of Mexico, Dia de los Muertos.
- Pan de Muertos (Mexican Bread of the Dead)
- A recipe for Mexican Bread of the Dead from the All Recipes website.
Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead Collectibles on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byLa Ofrenda - The Offerings
La ofrenda is Spanish for "offering." It is an altar, often created in the home, decorated for the Day of the Dead celebration.The altar is a place to honor, please and some believe help light the pathway for the souls returning to spend this time once a year with family.
In creating the altar, family members honor their deceased with ofrendas or offerings which include items that the deceased enjoyed in life. Photographs, bread, other foods, flowers, toys and other symbolic offerings, drinks (alcoholic and not), cigarrettes, mexican dishes (mole, rice, tamales, ect.), candy and other significant items can be found on the Ofrenda.
Photo Source: Libertinus. Ofrenda. Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
Day of the Dead Night Vigil Print
More About and Resources for Creating La Ofrenda
- Day of the Dead Altars
- This lens looks at the various components of Day of the Dead altars, altar art, and how to construct your very own ancestor altar.
- La Ofrenda from Traditions of Mexico - El Dia de los Muertos
- Information about La Ofrendas, altars from the Traditions of Mexico, Dia de los Muertos developed by Houston Institute for Culture.
- Day of the Dead Contemporary Altar - Dia De Los Muertos Altars
- An example of a contemporary ofrenda for the Day of the Dead.
- Day of the Dead Traditional Altar - Dia De Los Muertos Altars
- An example of a contemporary ofrenda for the Day of the Dead.
- The Altar - Day of the Dead in Mexico
- El Dia de los Muertos celebration includes an altar and offerings dedicated to the deceased. Information from the award winning Day of the Dead in Mexico site.
- La ofrenda
- Ofendas are an essential part of the Day of the Dead celebrations. This page has ideas for what to include on a Day of the Dead Altar.
- La Ofrenda: an Altar For Day-of-the-Dead Offerings
- ArtHouse Provides instructions for creating an Altar for Day-of-the-Dead Offerings.
Altars and Offerings for Days of the Dead in the Amazon Spotlight
El Corazon De La Muerte/Altars and Offerings for Days of the Dead (Spanish Edition)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
El Corazon De La Muerte/Altars and Offerings for Days of the Dead provides information for creating altars and offerings for the Day of the Dead ceremonies.
Published by the Oakland Museum of California hosts an annual exhibition and celebration of Los Días de los Muertos-the Days of the Dead-that draws several thousand people from across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Graves Covered with Flowers for Day of the Dead Print
A Squidoo Lens on La Ofrenda or Day of the Dead Altars
The Day of the Dead Altar
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Day of the Dead Altars
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Learn the how and why of altar making, an important part of the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebration.
Papel Picados - Punched Paper
Papel picado means punched or perforated paper. It is a traditional folk art in Mexico and other Latin American countries of cutting decorative banners. This is a 200-year-old tradition in Mexico.Papel picado banners and decorations are especially prominent during the Day of the Dead activities when the paper design features with images of skulls and skeletons. Once created the Papel picado are used to decorate altars, tables, graves, businesses, markets and plazas during festivals.
Papel picado artists use a hammer and sharp fierritos (small chisels) to punch designs in stacks of forty to fifty layers of colored tissue at one time. The intricate lace-like designs include images of flowers, letters, animal and human figures.
The tradition of crafting creating papel picados is passed down from one generation to the next. Papel picado folk artists are well known for their paper cutting skills within the community.
More recently this popular decorative art is now produced in plastic, a more practical and durable for hanging above outdoor markets.
Source:
Papel Picado: The Art of Mexican Cut Paper. NTIEVA (North Texas Institute for Educators on the Visual Arts). Fall 1996 Vol. 7, No. 3.
Image Source: Tumacácori National Historical Park. Kids Korner: Papel Picado.
Altar Decorations for Day of the Dead Print
Papel Picados - Punched Paper on Flickr
One of the more popular designs for the Papel Picados is the Calacas and the Calavaras (Skeleton and Skull)
Books on Making Papel Picados on Amazon
Making Magic Windows: Creating Cut-Paper Art With Carmen Lomas Garza
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul: Glittery Ideas to Liven Up Your Life
Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 07/11/2009)
Mexico & Central America: A Fiesta of Cultures, Crafts, and Activities for Ages 8-12
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 07/11/2009)
Mexicolor: The Spirit of Mexican Design
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/11/2009)
Mexican Papercutting: Simple Techniques for Creating Colorful Cut-Paper Projects
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Decorations for Day of the Dead Print
Create Your Own Papel Picados
- Papel Picado
- Papel picado is a fun Mexican art form that allows children of all ages to express their creativity.
- Crafts : The Art of Paper Cutting : Home & Garden Television
- Paper cutting patterns and inspiration for turning them into dazzling decor.
- Day of the Dead Crafts from the Toy Maker
- The Toy Maker has created a variety of Day of the Dead and Halloween crafts. Include are papel picado skull banner and a dancing skeleton.
- PDF File of a Papel Picado Skull
- A Papel Picado Skull banner from the Toy Maker.
- Papel Picado in Day of the Dead Activities Brochure
- A Day of the Dead Activity Sheet for children created by the Tohono Chul Park in Arizona with a Papel Picado pattern.
- Lesson Plan: Making Papel Picado Artwork
- Lesson plan: How to Make Papel Picado, Mexican Day of the Dead folkart, & La Ofrenda altars.
- Lesson Plan: Learn the Traditional Mexican Folk Art of Paper Cutting
- Papel picado is the traditional Mexican folk art of paper cutting... appropriate as 6th grade social studies activities. Includes a link to a pattern.
- Kid's Korner: Papel Picado
- From the Tumacacori National Historical Park information and patterns on creating Papel Picado, colored tissue paper has long been a Mexican folk tradition.
Papel Picados on eBay
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More on Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead from other Squidoo Lensmasters.-
Day of the Dead
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November 1, All Saints Day, and November 2, All Souls Day are celebrated by Mexicans+ with exciting various customs and offerings. An array of colorful adornments are brought to life by many makers of art worldwide. People unite at family buria...
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DAY OF THE DEAD
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Día de los Muertos is a holiday rooted in the ancient past of Mesoamerica. My ancestors were in awe of the eternal cycle of life and death and believed in the need for sacrifice to assure the continuation of life. The Aztecs of past honored th...
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Day of the Dead: Lots about this Mexican Tradition, nothing about the movie.
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A LOT of information about Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Actually a holiday which spans 3 days from October 31 - November 2, celebrating those who have passed on.
Dia de los Muertos Art Available on eBay
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- Day Of The Dead on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
- Day Of The Dead. ... Day Of The Dead. Day Of The Dead by Azure's Twisted Art Photography. To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player. ...
- Day Of The Dead Rocks Rothbury Festival - The Oakland Press News ...
- Pontiac, Michigan daily newspaper covering local, regional, and national news including local sports, video and multimedia coverage, and classified advertising.
- The worst of the worst Zombie films - All Things Zombie Forums
- There are two classes of bad zombie films. Some of them are cheese for cheese sakes, and the others are the 'serious' ones. The only movies I dislike are the 'serious' cheese ball flicks. Stuff like Day of the Dead 2008. ...
- Day of the Dead (1985) Movie Review by Decisi8ns
- When you talk to most fans of George A. Romero, and ask them how they would list the Dead Trilogy (not including Land of the Dead) from favorite to least favorite..chances are that Day of the Dead would be last. ...
The Day of the Dead - Dia de Los Muertos Lens is a Festival Lens
This Lens is a member of the Festivals Around The World Group.-
Festivals Around The World Headquarters
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Festivals Around The World Nearly every day, something special is celebrated somewhere around the world. National and regional traditions are celebrated by the people who are passionate or curious about them, much like Squidoo Lensmasters. This i...
The Latest News about the Day of the Dead - Dia de Los Muertos
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Your place for comments, feedback, thoughts and suggestions
Do you celebrate the Day of the Dead - Dia de los Muertos?
nancydodds1 wrote...
Its an awesome lens. Nice information i got from your lens. Good sharing and my 5***** for you.
Posted October 31, 2008
Alex-and-Ra wrote...
awesome! i've been looking for some good information on this holiday so 5* thanks! this lens would be a perfect addition to Mexico Travel - The Best of the Best ( http://www.squidoo.com/groups/mexicotravel ) feel free to join!
Posted October 30, 2008
Mortira wrote...
Fantastic lens! What a wealth of info. Thanks for sharing and comparing this great holiday! 5 stars and a 'roll!
Posted September 27, 2008
kab wrote...
I would love to be in Mexico for this special day. It's on my Bucket List.
Posted January 21, 2008
rms wrote...
This is a fantastic source of information and a fun read. Thank you for adding it to the Gothic Temptations Group!
Posted October 21, 2007
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This lens is supports the Save the Children Organization. Save the Children is the leading independent organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children in need both in the United States and around the world.The have been recognized for their commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration. Their work takes them into the heart of communities, where they focus on helping children and families help themselves.
by Comfortdoc
Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a specialist in Thanatology (Death Education). She is also a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, gr...
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