Dia de Los Muertos is a wonderful time to explore the traditional folk art of Mexico, and to celebrate a holiday that students may not be as familiar with. Embracing this joyful (and often humorous) approach to honoring the dead offers young students a way to understand and even celebrate death without the stigma that can be attached, while reveling in the eye-popping artwork and colorful ofrendas (altars to the dead) that have come to symbolize this exuberant festival.

Often looking to our Spanish teachers for guidance, my art students learn about the cultural significance of the holiday and its many colorful artistic expressions. Over the years, I’ve led projects such as the making of a life-size paper mache calavera (skeleton), personalized ofrendas, candy skulls, papel picado, paper flowers and mariposa, and much much more!