Easy craft for the Day of the Dead: paper mache skull
Making and decorating a skull for the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a cherished tradition in Mexico to honor loved ones who have passed away. It’s both a celebration of life and death where families get together, on November 1 and 2. It should not be confused with Halloween. Here is an easy craft for the Day of the Dead using a paper mache skull that your children can easily decorate in minutes.
Colorful sugar skulls or calaveritas are used in altars to honor the deceased. The ofrendas usually include the favorite foods, water, family photos, and candles for each dead relative. Marigolds are also used to decorate the altars and families bake Pan de Muertos, a sweet, delicious bread shaped like bones. The elegant version of the skulls is called a Catrina, and you will see them everywhere in Mexico in the week leading up to the Día de los Muertos.
What is the Day of the Dead?
The Day of the Dead, known as “Día de los Muertos” in Spanish, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It typically takes place over two days, November 1st and 2nd, which coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The holiday has indigenous Mesoamerican roots, particularly with the Aztec civilization, and has blended with Catholicism over time.
During the Day of the Dead, families create ofrendas (altars) in their homes or at the gravesites of their departed relatives. These ofrendas are adorned with various items, including candles, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, food, beverages, and personal mementos of the deceased. The purpose of these offerings is to welcome the spirits of the departed back to the world of the living, and to ensure they have a joyful and memorable visit.
To familiarize yourself even more with this beautiful tradition, I highly recommend you see Coco, which is one of my favorite Pixar movies. Do have tissues handy, because it will tug at your heartstrings.
If you decide to celebrate the Día de los Muertos, you can have the children make calaveras or skulls for the Day of the Dead. Here is an easy craft that will look beautiful on any altar.
Paper mache skull or calavera for the Day of the Dead
You will need:
- Paper mache skull
- White matte acrylic paint
- Foam paint brush
- Paint pens
- Paper flowers
- Self-adhesive gems
- Glue dots
Instructions
- Paint the paper mache mask white and allow to dry completely.
- Decorate the skull using the paint pens. Don’t be scared of using different colors!
- Add paper flowers using the glue dots and self-adhesive gems to embellish your design.
More ideas to honor the Día de los Muertos
- 3 Easy recipes to honor the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos
- Stunning Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead Makeup Tutorial
- Craft For The Day Of The Dead: Paper Plate Skull
- Video: How To Make Day of the Dead Marshmallow Pops
