November 1st and 2nd commemorate a very important holiday that is celebrated in Mexico, parts of Central and South America, and in Latino communities abroad, including in the United States. The celebration is called Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Despite the name, it is a celebration of life, not death. Families spend the two days remembering and celebrating the lives of departed loved ones with ofrendas (alters), music, dancing, and food.
Day of the Dead is not the same as Halloween. Popular symbols for Halloween are pumpkins, witches, and black cats. Day of the Dead symbols include colorful skulls, dancing skeletons, marigold flowers, and "papel picado", delicately cut paper.
The alters typically have pictures of the deceased as well as their favorite food. Other items included on the alter are candles, marigold flowers, fruit, water, salt, "papel picado", skulls, and skeletons. It is common for people to paint their faces to look like a skeleton.
The animated Disney Pixar movie "Coco" does an excellent job depicting "Día de los Muertos" and the cultural aspects that go along with the holiday. It shows how important the holiday is as families come together to remember their family and friends who have died.
I hope you and your child(ren) enjoy the informative Teaching Video that explains "Día de los Muertos" and shows an example of the "ofrenda" I built for "Mi Papá" who passed away many years ago.
Here is a list of this week's new videos:
Teaching Video: "Let's Celebrate"- El Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead
Music Video: Bate Bate Chocolate
Pronunciation Video: The Letter "F"
Story Video: Day of the Dead
Also, the Story Videos now have their own video lesson category so they are easier to find! In the "Members Only" section, click on "View Video Lessons" to find the FOUR video lesson categories- Teaching Videos, Music Videos, Pronunciation Videos, and Story Videos.
Don't forget to submit your names for "Loro"! You may have noticed that "Loro" was included on the alter in the first picture!
Saludos,
Sra. Quaid
