The document provides information about El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrated in Mexico and parts of the US. It is celebrated from November 1-2 to remember loved ones who have died. Traditions include building ofrendas (altars) decorated with photos, candles, flowers, calaveras (skeleton figurines), and favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. The ofrendas honor and celebrate the lives of the dead rather than promote sadness.

1. SP2 + 2H El Día de los Muertos
Where is the day of the dead celebrated? The day of the dead is most ly celebrated in Mexico, and parts of the
United States.
1) When is i t celebrated? Day of the Dead starts on November 1st and ends on November 2nd
2) What is pan de muerto? This is a type of sweet role t radit ionally baked in Mexico during the weeks leading up to the Day of the Dead.
(under the cartoon, click on FOOD)
3) Is the day of the dead considered a sad time or a festive one? This is not a sad t ime, rather a way to
Celebrate and reflect on our lives, heritage, and ancestors. It ’s a celebration/festival t o remember our
loved ones.
4) What is an ofrenda? In Spanish, t his means offering. It ’s a collection of on objects placed on a ritual alter
during the annual and t raditionally Day of the Dead celebration.
Why are they set up? They are also called altors (not for worshiping). They are set up to remember and honor the memory of their ancestors. Before set ting
an altar, they thoroughly clean their house—this is because t hey are going t o have very important “ visitors”
Where are they typically set up? The ofrenda is set on a table with has a white table cloth placed on it.
5) What are calacas? These are handmade skulls/skeletons commonly used for decorations during the Day of the Dead. They are made year around.
6) View a traditional altar: Under the cartoon click on Altar Documentary.
Then, name the seven th ings that typically can be found on an altar on “Día de l os muertos”?
Do this by clicking on the numbers:
1. ofrenda 4. Personal items
2. buffet /feast 5. Recipes/food
3. grooming items 6. Incense/fragrances/candles
(soups, towel, etc.) 7. Flowers
View a video (2min: 11sec) : Watch this video and any others you would l ike to see to get a good idea of what El Día de los Muertos is all
about. Summarize in 2-3 sentences what you would tell someone who doesn’t k now anything about El Día de l os Muertos but wants to
know what i t is:
 The fest ival of the day of the dead is a combinat ion of the catholic Christian culture and the native Mexican culture. The day of the dead is
celebrated November 1st and 2nd. November 1st is intended to celebrate the children that have died, and November 2nd is intended to celebrate the
adults that have died. This is a holiday to remember and honor those who have passed away. T he Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most
important holidays therefore a lot of t ime and money is put towards the preparation.
Ofrenda/Virtual Altar Project: How would you like your life to be celebrated & remembered?
CONSIDERING WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT THE DAY OF THE DEAD “Ofrendas” (altars), you will create a virtual altar that your loved
ones would construct for you if they were remembering you as you are now. Today, you will plan & write down ideas. Then, sketch your
design below.
*The virtual altar (DDM virtual altar http://latino.si.edu/dayofthedead/) will be due Friday, Oct 31
*Post to pbworks.com
Rubric: *This sheet must be turned in with your Ofrenda project.
EHS/WLD 10/14
1 Poorly Done 2 Fair 3 Well Done
photo 1 2 3
candles & 1 2 3
flowers 1 2 3
calaveras 1 2 3
Foods and drinks 1 2 3
Interests 1 2 3
Sentimental items 1 2 3
Colorful and creative 2 4 6
posted to www.sp2linares1415@pbworks.com 0 1 late 3
Nota final /30 possible points