Día de Los Muertos: Teach Your Children About this Vibrant and Unique Mexican Holiday
Dia de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and unique Mexican holiday that has gained international recognition for its colorful festivities and meaningful traditions.
This celebration, which takes place from Nov 1st to November 2nd, is not about fear and sadness; it’s a joyful and heartwarming way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away before diving into the fun and colorful aspects of Dia de los Muertos. Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area understands the importance of this holiday and wants to celebrate its cultural significance with our communities.
Dia de los Muertos is a time for families to come together and celebrate the lives of their ancestors and loved ones who are no longer with them. It’s a way to remember and honor their memory, not to mourn their passing.
One of the most exciting and hands-on activities for kids during Dia de los Muertos is the creation of ofrendas. The ofrendas are adorned with colorful marigold flowers, candles, sugar skulls and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. Children can participate by helping to decorate the ofrenda, learning about the importance of each item and sharing stories about the departed loved ones.
You can have fun celebrating with your children by decorating calaveras and sugar skulls. Decorated skull-shaped candies are a symbol of Dia de los Muertos. Kids can enjoy making sugar skulls from sugar and water, decorating them with colorful icing and even adding the names of their loved ones to personalize them. It’s a creative and artistic activity that allows children to participate in the celebration.
Another popular tradition is face painting. Kids can have their faces painted as vibrant sugar skulls or calaveras to join the festivities. This activity encourages creativity and helps children feel more connected to the holiday celebration.
Children can also take part in arts and crafts that offer a multitude of projects that they can get involved in. From making paper marigold flowers to creating papel picado with intricate designs, children can engage in a variety of creative activities that capture the essence of the holiday.
Uniquely, many families visit cemeteries during Dia de Muertos to decorate the graves of their loved ones. This can be a poignant experience for children, as it helps them understand the deep cultural meaning of the holiday and the importance of remembering and honoring those who passed away.
Notably, kids are encouraged to engage in storytelling and learn about the traditions associated with Dia de Muertos. Share stories about family members who have passed away and what they mean to the family. This will help children connect with the deeper meaning of the special day.
Ultimately, Dia de los Muertos is a beautiful and unique celebration that allows children to learn about the value of family, remembrance and creativity. It is an opportunity for kids to embrace a rich cultural tradition while celebrating the lives of those who came before us. By participating in the meaningful activities associated with Dia de Muertos, children can gain a greater appreciation for life and the importance of remembering those who have touched our hearts.
TOPICS: Child Care Services
