Day of the Dead Calavera Skull Masks

Students can create a day of the dead skull mask using paint, glue, glitter, puffy paint and more!

By Anitra Redlefsen

The Day of the Dead (El Día de los Muertos or All Souls’ Day) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration occurs on November 1st and 2nd in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saints’ Day which occurs on November 1st and All Souls’ Day which occurs on November 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. ^{source: wikipedia}

What You Need:

• print and cut mask Template One (complete with designs)

or

• print and cut mask Template Two (blank – no designs)
• glitter glue
• puffy paint
• craft sequins
• other crafty items
• Website with information about Day of the Dead (see Resources below)

What You Do:

1. Print out a mask template and cut it out.
2. Look at some examples of Day of the Dead masks.
3. Decorate the mask.

Resources:

Day of the Dead for Kids and Teachers
http://holidays.pppst.com/dayofthedead.html