Just click
below on the one you would like to make.
Skeleton
For
the skeleton, Señor Calavera himself: Print out the torso
and limbs, color
his bones with crayons or markers. Carefully cut the bones out along the
outline. Use brass paper fasteners to attach the bones. There you have
it, a movable puppet!
Skull
For the skull,
the face of Señor Calavera: Print out this skull
mask, color with crayons or markers and if you like, glue on some
glitter or other decorations. Carefully cut out along the outline, then
cut holes for the eyes. Cut out the tiny circles on both sides of the
mask and tie the ends of a ribbon to each hole. Fit it to the size of
your head and you can wear this as a mask!
How do I celebrate The Day of the Dead? By remembering my Abuelita (Grandmother) telling stories about my uncles and aunts who have already died—and eating!
Just
like the spirits of the dead, people like to visit relatives and friends
during The Days of the Dead. At every house there is a big deal and lots
of delicious food, all in honor of our loved ones. Tamales, bread decorated
in the shapes like crossed bones, hot chocolate, mole, tortillas, and
many other dishes are prepared for the altars.
It is believed that during those days, the spirits of our dead loved ones come back from the afterlife to visit. You might find them returning as a speck of dust, a swift of breeze, a feather floating with the wind, a butterfly, or even a hummingbird. Bright orange flowers called Zempasuchil, or marigolds, are placed as a path to show spirits the way towards the altar.
When the spirits arrive, they eat the spirit of the food, hear their favorite music, play with their favorite toys, and get to enjoy everything that their family has prepared for them.
Later in the night of The Day of the Dead, after the dead go back to their place in the afterlife, we, who are still alive, get to eat all the food that the spirits left behind!
One of the favorite gifts that friends and family members give one another during this time of celebration, are sugar skulls decorated with colors and embossed with one's own name. Children, of course, love them!
Try my special Skull and Skeleton activities above to help celebrate The Day of the Dead.
Yuyi Morales, author and illustrator of Just
A Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book