The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a vibrant and meaningful celebration in Mexico and many other Latin American countries. It's a time when families come together to honor and remember their ancestors in a unique and colorful way.
Day of the Dead typically takes place on November 1 and 2, although community celebrations may take place the weekend before or after. This holiday is a beautiful opportunity for families to come together, celebrate life, and remember those who have passed on.
We have five fun ways to celebrate Day of the Dead with your family on November 1 and 2 — or anytime you want to honor your ancestors and bond as a family!
1. Create an ofrenda (altar).
A central part of the Day of the Dead celebration involves creating colorful and meaningful ofrendas in honor of loved ones who have passed.
The ofrendas are decorated with marigold flowers, candles, incense, sugar skulls, and the favorite foods and belongings of the deceased.
2. Decorate calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls).
Sugar skulls are another traditional part of the celebration. You can find sugar skulls in Mexican markets, specialty candy stores, and craft stores in late October and early November.
Get creative by decorating your calaveras to make them a unique representation of your family.
3. Share family stories.
Day of the Dead is an excellent time to share stories about deceased family members. Children can learn about the lives and legacies of their ancestors, helping to keep their memory alive.
My father and both maternal grandparents passed away when my children were just toddlers, but hearing stories about them creates a connection between the generations.
They are convinced they inherited their love of skiing from my dad. My grandparents had seven children, so there are plenty of hilarious, heartwarming, and relatable stories about my aunts and uncles to pass down to the next generation!
4. Attend a community event.
Community events can provide an authentic experience of the culture and traditions associated with the holiday. Discover how different people celebrate the day and express their beliefs.
Viva Colorado hosts a huge Dia de Muertos Festival and Parade at Civic Center Park every year. If you missed it, here are a few coming up:
- Friday, November 3: First Friday: Día de Muertos Celebration at Museo de las Americas, Denver
Celebrate culture and creativity with a free evening of family fun. Guests can enjoy a special procession, a Catrina contest (with prizes starting at $150!), Folklorico Dance, sugar skull decorating, art installations, and food truck delights. - Friday, November 3: Celebrate Day of the Dead at Pirates: Contemporary Art, Lakewood
For over three decades, Pirate: Contemporary Art has hosted their Day Of The Dead show as a neighborhood party and artistic celebration of Mexican culture. The main celebration is Friday, November 3, from 6:00–10:00 PM, and will feature Aztec Dancers, a Procession, and Pinatas. - Saturday, November 4: Día de los Muertos Celebration at McAllister Park Center, Thornton
This free event features an art market, face painting, Mariachi and Salsa music, dancers, food vendors, and a Catrina costume contest with prizes.
5. Get lost in a book.
Explore the traditions and meaning of the Day of the Dead in a kid-friendly way by reading together. Sharing a book can inspire great discussions and a deeper understanding of the holiday and what it can mean for your family.
Click on any title below to borrow the book from Englewood Library.
- Celebrating Holidays: Day of the Dead by Rachel A. Koestler-Grack
- Day of the Dead: A Count and Find Primer by Greg Paprocki
- Day of the Dead by Joanna Ponto
- Día De Los Muertos by Hannah Eliot
- Día De Los Muertos by Roseanne Thong
- Día De Muertos: A Papel Picado Lift-the-Flap Book by Dori Elys
- Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh
If you prefer to watch a movie, check out The Book of Life or Coco.
