Originally observed by the indigenous Aztec people of Central America, whose customs eventually merged with Catholic traditions, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, has now become a cherished component of the annual Halloween festivities in numerous communities across the United States. This year’s celebration is set for November 1-2, 2023.
On November 1st, ‘El Día de los Inocentes,’ is observed, also known as the Day of the Children and All Saints Day. On November 2nd, All Souls Day is celebrated, which is the actual Dia de los Muertos. According to tradition, the gates of heaven swing open at midnight on October 31st, allowing the spirits of children to reunite with their families for a 24-hour period. This event is centered around three significant themes: remembrance, community, and celebration.
This celebration serves as a means for families to connect with and honor their departed loved ones. It’s important to note that even if you do not have Mexican, Aztec or indigenous heritage, you can still partake in and enjoy this holiday.
If you find the festivities of Día de los Muertos inspiring, we’ve outlined five ways you can celebrate with your kids. Anyone (young and old) participating in these activities should be provided with a brief understanding of the history behind Día de los Muertos and the significance of each item involved.
Here’s five ways to celebrate Día De Los Muertos:
1. Create an Altar
Set up an altar, known as an “ofrenda,” which means “offering” or gift. The purpose of the ofrenda is to present personal belongings and treats that were special to your ancestors. These offerings can include their favorite foods and drinks. You can also decorate the area with marigold flowers, which are traditional funeral flowers used by the ancient Aztecs, as well as calaveras (skulls) or decorated sugar skulls, and paper mache calacas (skeletons).
2. Enjoy Pan de Muerto
Purchase or bake “pan de muerto,” a sweet bread shaped like a skull. The orange fragrance of this bread is reminiscent of departed loved ones. The ball on top of the bread represents the skull of the deceased, while the lines crossing it symbolize their bones and tears. Depending on the region of Mexico, the bread may be topped with sesame seeds or sugar. You can find pan de muerto locally at Lara’s Bakery and Market in Urbandale.
3. Craft Tissue Paper Mexican Marigolds
Make Mexican marigolds, also known as “cempasuchiles,” out of tissue paper. These bright and fragrant flowers are believed to attract the spirits of the dead. You can find simple instructions on how to create tissue paper marigolds at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.
4. Get Creative with Sugar Skull Cutouts
Encourage your kids to create sugar skull cutouts or “calaveras.” These colorful and lively skulls represent the deceased being celebrated during the Day of the Dead. Provide sugar skull paper templates for your children to cut out and color. You can turn these cutouts into garlands or place them individually around your ofrenda. Find templates and instructions from Simple Everyday Mom.
5. Attend a Local Celebration
Join a local Día de los Muertos celebration, such as the one hosted annually by the Des Moines Art Center. This year’s theme is “Unidos Por Deportes” (United by Sports), celebrating the role of organized sports in Mexican communities throughout Iowa. This free, family-friendly event features art activities, traditional food, music, sports demonstrations, and an ofrenda showcasing local Latinx athletes’ achievements and contributions. There will also be a processional, honoree film, salsa lessons, and more. The event takes place at the Des Moines Art Center and includes food and drink from various vendors. Don’t forget to take advantage of easy parking and a free shuttle from Merrill Middle School, running continuously from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Bonus Idea:
A simple and engaging way to acquaint your children with the Día de los Muertos tradition is by watching two kid-friendly films: “The Book of Life” and “Coco.”
