Holidays are an important part of our lives. They are a time for celebration, being with our families, and—in many cases—remembering our past. While there are a number of holidays that are often considered to be quite important for individuals of Mexican heritage, El Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, may top the list. As with other Mexican holidays, this one is believed to be quite ancient—in fact, some historians hypothesize that is has been celebrated for as many as 3,000 years. Traditionally, El Dia de los Muertos is celebrated for three days beginning on November 1, and often incorporates both Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. On the Day of the Dead, families gather together to pray for, celebrate, and remember the loved ones that have died. Though originally developed in Mexico, the Day of the Dead has recently spread to other parts of the world, including Brazil, Spain, Africa, and Asia. The recent reflux of Mexican immigrants means that the Day of the Dead is now celebrated by many individuals living in the United States. As with other popular holidays, food is an important part of any good Day of the Dead celebration. In addition, flying kites, building small alters, and going to local cemeteries are also popular activities that are done to honor lost loved ones on the Day of the Dead.

As the world becomes more and more globalized, learning about different cultures—and the things that these cultures consider as important—has become a priority among educators from all parts of the world. Individuals who are interested in learning more about the Day of the Dead may want to review the resources listed below. Similarly, teachers can find a wealth of information about the Day of the Dead to use with students of all ages. In addition, consultation with an expert in the area of Mexican history may also be an effective way to gain more information about this fascinating holiday. Finally, talking with friends, family members, or co-workers who are native or have traveled to Mexico can also be a good way to learn more about this fascinating historic holiday.

Day of the Dead History

• History: A Tradition that Refuses to Die
• Day of the Dead: El Dia de Muertos
• A Beginning History of the Day of the Dead
• El Dia de los Muertos: Links
• Factbox: Facts About Mexico’s Day of the Dead
• ‘Day of the Dead’ Traditions Cross Over into U.S. Mainstream Culture
• Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
• Day of the Dead Traditions Honored Worlds Away from Latin America, in Lehigh Valley
• Day of the Dead, Part III: Blending Traditions
• Treats, Not Tricks, Among Day of the Dead Traditions
• Unique Facts About Mexico: Day of the Dead
• National Geographic Kids: Dare to Explore! Day of the Dead
• Latin American and Latino Studies Program: Downtown Day of the Dead Celebration
• Day of the Dead Customs and Traditions
• Host a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration!
• Family Celebrates ‘Day of the Dead’ Tradition
• History and Traditions of Day of the Dead
• Some Day of the Dead Traditions Dying
• Religious Holidays in Public Schools: Day of the Dead
• Day of the Dead a Time of Remembrance for the Living
• Days of the Dead
• Celebrating Souls on Day of the Dead
• Day of the Dead: Dia de los Muertos

Day of the Dead Educator Materials

• Educator Guide—Subject: El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
• The Arrival in Mexico and Mexican Traditions: Teacher Guide
• Holiday: Day of the Dead
• Mexico’s Day of the Dead
• Dia de Muertos: Day of the Dead—Virtual Field trip
• Celebrations: Day of the Dead Mini Unit
• Center for Latin American Studies Outreach Program, University of Pittsburg
• Dia de los Muetos/ Day of the Dead
• Day of the Dead Webquest
• Day of the Dead: Grades K-1
• Alabama Learning Exchange: Experiencing the Day of the Dead
• Discover Education: Lesson Plan Library—Mexican Holidays
• Coloring Colorado: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
• Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology: Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos
• Success Link: Great Teaching Ideas
• Longmont Museum and Cultural Center: El Dia de los Muertos/The Day of the Dead
• El Alma de la Raza Project: Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
• Classroom Activity: Making an Alter for the Day of the Dead