Day of the Dead is a holiday that originated in Mexico and celebrates the lives of our departed loved ones. This annual cultural event happens over a three-day period and coincides with Halloween (October 31 through November 2). Celebrations range from small, personal remembrances to large parties for family and friends. Decorations of all shapes and sizes accompany Day of the Dead celebrations and often include elaborately decorated skulls, large, colorful tissue flowers, and Mexican paper banners called papel picado.
One way to combine the Day of the Dead celebration with the Halloween season is with this clever pumpkin craft. Pumpkins are abundant in the fall, and are great mediums for Day of the Dead crafting. This craft is safe because no carving is required, and children can let their imaginations run wild!
Here’s the how-to:
Prior to the party, print out the skull template and trace onto the face of the pumpkin.
Have on hand a variety of colorful paint pens from Joann’s and stick-on embellishments such as flowers, craft gems and pompoms.
Let imaginations run wild as they decorate their “skulls”.
Enrich your Day of the Dead decorating party with additional flair. Have wreaths of silk flowers available to wear, or even incorporate face painting to match each pumpkin.
A tasty treat or two while crafting is always a great idea and will be much appreciated. Keep the Day of the Dead theme alive with Mexican hot chocolate ( I love Nestle-Abuelita Mexican Chocolate) and churros.
Celebrating Day of the Dead with a cultural-themed craft party is a great learning experience. Grab those pumpkins and let the creative ideas flow!
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