Día de Muertos—or as we call it in America, “Day of the Dead”—is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2. The time is spent honoring the dead through the use of altars built in the home—called ofrendas—and by displaying Aztec marigolds and calaveras. More commonly known as “sugar skulls,” the calavera has become symbolic of Día de Muertos.

Day of the Dead focuses on deceased family members and ancestors but treats it as a joyous celebration instead of a period of mourning. Though the celebrations vary regionally, many of them include a variety of food and sweet bread, dressing in brightly colored clothing and face paint, and dancing and revelry.

Hollywood has taken a liking to Día de Muertos and featured the holiday in many big-screen productions. Two fondly-remembered films aimed at children were Pixar’s Coco and The Book of Life from 20th Century Fox. A recent James Bond film also began in the middle of a Día de Muertos parade which featured oversized calaveras, massive skeletons on floats, and face-painted dancers.

Just like Día de Muertos celebrations, the experiences of Latino culture are not universal, and not recognizing the differences between those cultures does them a disservice. The resources below will help expand your understanding of Latin and South American cultures in general and Día de Muertos in particular. 

¡Presente!: A Latino History of the United States is an online exhibition from the National Museum of the American Latino, a branch of the Smithsonian Institution..

The National Museum of the American Latino also has a few free online resources for Día de Muertos including an interactive iBook and a short animated video.

DayoftheDead.holiday has comprehensive information about the celebration of Día de Muertos, including a breakdown of the significance of each day.

National Geographic has written about the creation of La Catrina—the elegant skull—and its connection to Día de Muertos.

The Peabody Museum of Archeology & Ethnology has a virtual exhibit featuring the history of ocarinas, a musical instrument that originated in South and Central American cultures.

There are plenty of resources available to teach children about the meaning and importance of Día de Muertos, including this guide from National Geographic Kids.

The National Museum of Mexican Art has a fun video tutorial to teach children how to make their own calavera out of papier-mâché.

Masks will continue to be a welcome option for anyone who wants
to wear them.