A Kid-Friendly explanation to day of the dead

You’ve seen the sugar skulls, the gorgeous face paints, and, of course, Coco. But what exactly is Día de los Muertos? Here’s a hint: It isn’t Mexico’s version of Halloween.

Before Disney introduced the world to Miguel, a little boy who crosses into a vibrant world where he meets his dead ancestors, our family was obsessed with the movie, The Book of Life. This beautifully animated film got my children hooked on Día de los Muertos (or Día de Muertos), a traditional Mexican holiday where families honor their loved ones who have passed away and pray for their continued spiritual journey.

2023 Ehat’s althar of the dead

Between The Book of Life and Coco, mainstream America has become quite familiar with the time-honored tradition of the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. But the holiday isn’t just about extravagant and bejeweled Catrina (skull) makeup or festive skeletons. It’s a multi-day celebration filled with reflection, food, and memories. 

Between The Book of Life and Coco, mainstream America has become quite familiar with the time-honored tradition of the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos. But the holiday isn’t just about extravagant and bejeweled Catrina (skull) makeup or festive skeletons. It’s a multi-day celebration filled with reflection, food, and memories. 

While Día de los Muertos is celebrated immediately following Halloween, it is a holiday unto itself. Originating in Mexico, it is a two-day celebration that takes place every year, starting on November 1 and ending on November 2—commonly known on the Catholic calendar as All Souls Day. The holiday takes a different approach to honoring loved ones who have passed. 

On display of the altares are mementos honoring family members or foods that our loved ones enjoyed before they passed, which are considered ofrendas or offerings. Some other traditions include buying and displaying sugar skulls, painting your face with elaborate details in the style of La Catrina—a glamorous skeleton who is considered one of the symbols of Día de los Muertos—and displaying marigolds, which are believed to guide your loved one’s soul back to the world of the living (remember that golden marigold path in Coco?).

In EHAT Daycare and Preschool as every year, during this days we learn from the richness of this traditions through kid friendly activities and handcrafts.

Sources: