Día de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated every year on November 1st. On this day, families build a Day of the Dead ofrenda (or altar) to honor and celebrate the life of family members who have passed. Ofrendas are a way to keep the memory of loved ones alive by remembering what they looked like, their favorite foods and drinks and even some of their favorite activities. Be sure to download the free writing activity prompt that goes along with this lesson!
Help your students understand the meaning behind this grand celebration by having them create an ofrenda, or altar of collected materials. Use a sarape table runner and an orange plastic tablecloth to create your ofrenda backdrop. Drape a flower cutout pennant banner below then cut out some sugar skulls from the Day of the Dead Hanging Garlands and attach them to your vibrant backdrop.
Hang a DIY Unfinished Wood Wall Cross and accent it with orange tissue paper flowers that resemble marigolds. It's believed that marigolds attract spirits so they're very common flowers to see during Día de los Muertos celebrations. Surround your altar and backdrop with these lively colored tissue paper flowers to wrap up your beautiful tribute to loved ones.
Ofrendas are a way to keep the memory of your loved ones alive by remembering what they liked to eat, drink, and do while they were still alive. It's also a great time to share your favorite pictures of those who have passed. Place their favorites on Day of the Dead tableware kit and Day of the Dead Coasters. Decorate the table with a sarape throw, Day of the Dead cut out banner, use Day of the Dead mini pails as candle holders, and accent your display with colorful flower clips.
Have students decorate their own "calaveras" sugar skulls using DIY mini ceramic skulls, rhinestones, paint, flower clips, or markers. These will add a personal touch to your Día de los Muertos ofrenda.
Teach your children or students all about this meaningful celebration with these imaginative DIY Day of the Dead ornaments and Dia de los Muertos writing activity. Grab the FREE printables that go with the writing activity here, included in both English and Spanish.
This beloved holiday is a unique celebration of life and is the perfect occasion to honor family, friends, and tradition. I hope this gave you the inspiration to build your own Día de los Muertos ofrenda!
