A couple weeks preceding Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), we begin creating and preparing the decorations for our altar. One very important element and colloquial symbol incorporated in the altar is the sugar skull (calaverita de azucar). Sugar skulls represent and honor a departed soul. Customarily, the name of the person the altar is dedicated to is written across the skull’s forehead. If you do not have an altar to display them on, sugar skulls can alsoRead More ...
Sugar Skulls: Art to Honor Your Loved Ones {Craft}
Celebrating Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
I grew up in Canada and I always enjoyed celebrating Halloween. I have fond memories of dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. When I chose Mexico as my country over a decade ago, my associations with this time of year underwent a radical shift. I fell in love with Day of the Dead, and it’s a tradition I’ve embraced wholeheartedly, and I enjoy sharing it with my children very much. Halloween is a fun holiday, but Day ofRead More ...
Day of the Dead Craft: Popsicle Sticks Calaveras
Popsicle Sticks Calaveras are an easy activity to do with kids all ages. Calaveras are not used to scare or cause harm in fact Calaveras are a symbol of the dead coming to interact in a nice way with the living. Let’s get started in making your own Popsicle stick Calavera! Here’s what you’ll need: –Adhesive-Glue, Tap or Glue Dots –Paint -White –Tissue paper –Accessories- Gems for decor and Wiggly Eyes –Skeleton Head-You will need this template and some paperRead More ...
Books & Libros: Día de los Muertos
While we are busy dressing our little ones for trick-or-treating and attending costume parties, los mexicanos are putting on calacas and honoring the deceased in the traditional Aztec ritual, el Día de los Muertos. On November 1st and 2nd, Mexicans (and some in other parts of Central America) visit cemeteries, build altars for loved ones in their homes, and enjoy a feast featuring pan de muerto. Even if this is not your family’s tradition, you can take advantage of theRead More ...
Day Of the Dead Party E-book {Giveaway}
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is almost here, so it’s time to get ready for this festive tradition. For us the fun doesn’t end with Halloween, we have two more days of a Spanish enriching celebration to enjoy. If you´re looking to plan a party your kids will remember for years to come , Happythought’s new “Celebrate Day Of The Dead” e-book is full of fun Dia De Los Muertos fiesta planning materials. There are over 90 pagesRead More ...
Day of the Dead Kids Craft: Shoebox Altar
In celebration of Dia De Los Muertos {Day of the Dead} many build Altares {Altars} in honor of their loved ones who have passed. I wanted my children to be involved and decided to do our own mini altar in a shoebox. An altar is a space used to place all the wonderful things that remind you of those who have passed. It consists of pictures, candles, flowers, treats, and of course yummy foods. They are considered offerings to the dead who comeRead More ...
Design Your Own Calaverita and Win! {Contest}
One of our favorite times of the year at SpanglishBaby is here: Day of the Dead/Día de Muertos. We love embracing it because of the deep traditions, symbolism and colors it brings to our bicultural lives. It´s an especially fun time of the year to create original crafts and activities with our kids. This is our third year celebrating this special occasion with you. If you´re looking for information on what Día de Muertos is and how to celebrate, thenRead More ...