Teach Your Kids How to Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos

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“El Dia de los Muertos” is a two day celebration on November first and second. It’s mainly celebrated in Mexico, but many other Latin countries have similar celebrations of their own.

Weeks leading up to Dia de los Muertos, families start setting up ofrendas (altars) with pictures of loved ones, cups of water and the loved ones favorite drinks, candles, and marigold petals.

Pan de Muertos (bread of the dead) is baked, family homes and cemetery plots are decorated, and people rejoice.

The tradition dates back to Aztec times. When the Spanish Conquistadors came they forced the Aztecs to begin celebrating All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Overtime, Mexico was able to satisfy the wants of the Spanish while keeping their traditions alive as well. This is how we got the Dia de los Muertos that we have today.

day of the dead

Ways to Teach Kids About Dia de los Muertos

Kids are always curious and teaching them about other cultures is an amazing way to teach inclusivity and break stereotypes.

Books

Books are a fun and easy way to teach kids about the holidays and history while bonding and having quiet time. Our favorite times are while they’re sitting down eating a snack or right before bed; it just depends on the day and how they’re feeling. Here are some of our favorites.

A Gift for Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead by Nancy Luenn and Robert Chapman

Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book by Jeanette Winter

Celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead with Cristina and Her Blue Bunny by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada

The Festival of Bones by Luis San Vicente

Movies

Sometimes kids just refuseto sit still or pay attention to a book, so movies and shows are also a great way to teach and enjoy time together ( or some time to yourself or to get stuff done) while not feeling bad about screen time. Here are some of our favorites:

Salma’s Big Wish // Young Salma and two friends venture to the beyond to find out the truth about their parents. Ages 6+. Note :: This can be viewed with a subscription to Pantaya on Amazon, which is a great way to introduce or support Spanish language exposure and retention.

The Book of Life // This animated movie teaches about Mexican culture, especially that of Dia de Los Muertos. You can find it on Amazon. Ages 4+.

Coco // This movie follows young Miguel as he learns about his family’s history on Dia de Los Muertos where he finds himself in the afterlife. This movie streams on Disney+. Ages 4+.

day of the dead

Events

What better way to take what you’ve learned from the books and television than to go to a local event and experience the richness for yourself? Here are some local events happening soon:

Day of the Dead Festival and Market // Wild Acre Brewing Company hosts a festival for Day of the Dead.

Day of the Dead Street Party // Join Forth Worth Botanic Gardens for an evening of food, music, and fun.

Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival // Denton hosts its annual family-friendly festival.

Dia de Los Muertos Desfile // Dallas hosts its annual Day of the Dead Parade.

 

day of the dead dolls

I really hope you and your family enjoy learning about and celebrating this Mexican tradition here in the USA. My kiddos are already asking about when I’m going to make pan de muerto.

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