Students in third grade art classes take a virtual trip around the world in their journey through art. During the week starting October 31, they “landed” in Mexico for a celebration of the Day of the Dead.
After learning about the holiday’s traditions, students played with several handmade toys created by Mexican folk artists for holiday and enjoyed a gaily decorated, cake-like bread called Pan de Los Muertos. The children will continue to enjoy their “stay” in Mexico by creating some handmade clay art pieces of their own.
In Mexico, and in many American communities, Día de Muertos, or The Day of the Dead are a hopeful time when the living and dead are united in a celebration of family history. The days around the holiday are a time of sharing happy memories and family togetherness. The holiday falls on the traditional Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, although its roots and beliefs go back to the days of the Aztecs.