Dia de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is a Mexican holiday celebrated in early November where families remember their loved ones who have passed away. The holiday is not a sad one, but rather a lively festival to celebrate those who have died.

The holiday has ancient roots in indigenous cultures, especially Aztec, but it was blended with Catholic traditions when the Spanish arrived in what is now Mexico. Today, people in the US and other parts of Latin America celebrate Dia de los Muertos, but it is still most closely tied to Mexico.

The art of Dia de los Muertos is bright and colorful, much like the festival itself. Vibrant tissue paper, bright flowers, and colorful fabrics decorate homemade altars that families make for the holiday.

Art with skeletons and skulls is very common for Dia de los Muertos. Sugar skulls in particular are one of the most well known images associated with the holiday. White sugar is pressed into skull-shaped and hardened. Once dry, the skulls are decorated with colorful icing designs.

Download this free Dia de los Muertos mini art lesson.

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