Explore the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with this comprehensive Family Guide. Originating in Mexico, this vibrant cultural celebration is not only embraced in its home country but also widely observed in the United States and across the globe. Día de los Muertos, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, offers a unique and joyful perspective on life, setting it apart from the spookiness of Halloween.
As the Halloween festivities wind down, Día de los Muertos begins, bringing with it an array of distinct traditions and celebrations. As the holiday approaches, numerous local events kick off in the week leading up to it, extending into the weekend after. This extended celebration period, especially when the holiday falls midweek, provides ample opportunities for your family to celebrate and learn more about Latin culture.
I've included a selection of family-friendly activities designed for you and your children to fully immerse yourselves in the beauty of Día de los Muertos. Here are some creative and engaging ideas for celebrating at home. Additionally you'll find there are many local and nearby events and activities scattered throughout Ventura and Los Angeles County, offering enriching experiences for your family. For a comprehensive list of family-friendly events, explore the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event and activity calendar, brimming with exciting options for you and your little and not so little ones.
If your family is new to this tradition, consider watching the Disney Pixar film "Coco" as an engaging introduction to the holiday's cultural significance. Delve deeper into the celebration of life associated with Día de los Muertos to gain a profound understanding of this meaningful tradition. Embrace the spirit of Día de los Muertos with our family-friendly guide, and create lasting memories with your children.
5 Fun Facts about Día De Los Muertos "Day of the Dead"
- This lively celebration helps families honor their ancestors. Day of the Dead combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s.
- The holiday is like a family reunion — except dead ancestors are the guests of honor. Day of the Dead is a joyful time that helps people remember and honor the deceased and celebrate their memory - Celebrated November 1st and 2nd.
- It's all about treats! Treats are set up for passed loved ones. Families will set up a candlelit altar in their homes so spirits can find their way back to their relatives. The altar also offers some of the favorite foods of the deceased—just in case they get hungry. Items that were important to the ancestors when they were alive, such as a favorite book or musical instrument, are placed on the altar as well.
- It's all about the celebration! Families are off to the graveyard for a big party. Families bring a huge feast to eat while they clean tombstones, sing songs, and talk to their ancestors. Parents might even introduce a baby to a grandparent who died before the baby was born
- It's all about the skeletons! During Day of the Dead, life-size papier-mâché skeletons and miniature plastic or clay skeletons are everywhere. Why? Mexicans honor their ancestors on Day of the Dead, but they're also reminding themselves that death is just a part of life. Hanging out with skeletons reminds people that one day they will be skeletons — but not for a very long time!
Looking for Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead events to celebrate with your family?
Visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event and activity calendar!
Día de los Muertos family-fun things to do at home
Learn more with your kids:
- 10 Books about the Day of the Dead for kids
- Day of the Dead Movies for kids
- 25 Day of the Dead Crafts for kids
Here is a great video your kids will enjoy:
Learn More
- Learn even more: Día de los Muertos: 5 Day of the Dead Traditions Explained
- Read more here about Day of the Dead
- At home fun Día de los Muertos Crafts: Paper Marigolds, Lanterns, Calaveras Wreath, Papel Picado, Luminary bags, Embellished Calavera and coloring pages
- Try some new Recipes to help your family Celebrate.
- The Easiest Sugar Skull Tutorial-Great For Kids!
Fascinating reading for the grown-ups:
- What is Día de los Muertos? An expert explains the holiday celebrating loved ones who have died
- How ‘La Catrina’ became the iconic symbol for the Day of the Dead
- Meet Christina Sanchez: Catrina Christina
Personally I enjoy learning about other cultures, their traditions and their history and sharing with my kids.
Ofrendas
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The above diverse Ofrenda was on display at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, October 2023. A few years back while visiting family in Tacoma, Washington we happened to explore a local Museum that had a beautiful, festive and colorful Día de los Muertos exhibit. Here are photos I took of some of the altars, also known as Ofrendas that were on display, they were all created by local organizations.
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💙 Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas covers the towns of: Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Thousand Oak, Newbury Park and Malibu. I will also include worthwhile information, events and activities, classes, fundraisers and other happening in the nearby communities of Simi Valley, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, San Fernando Valley, greater Los Angeles and Southern California.
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