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Día de Muertos

Vida, memoria y español en familia

Aprende los significados, descubre vocabulario y lleva esta tradición a casa.

(EN: Learn the meanings, discover vocabulary, and bring this tradition home.)

Ofrenda de Día de Muertos con flores de cempasúchil, velas y fotos

What is the Day of the Dead?

The Day of the Dead (November 1st and 2nd) is a Mexican tradition that celebrates life and honors those who have passed away.

An altar is prepared with marigold flowers, candles, papel picado, photos, and the favorite foods of our loved ones. The colors, aromas, and flavors symbolically guide the souls on their visit.

More than a goodbye, it is a reunion filled with memories, music, stories, and family togetherness.

In many homes, people write a calaverita (a playful poem), share pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread), and talk about family history. This date invites us to remember with affection, to give thanks, and to keep our roots alive.

Meanings of the Ofrenda

Each element on the altar has a special meaning.

Cempasúchil

Cempasúchil

Marigold flower

Its color and scent guide the souls.

Velas

Velas

Candles

Light for the path.

Papel picado

Papel picado

Cut paper

The wind and the fragility of life.

Agua

Agua

Water

It quenches the thirst from the journey.

Sal

Sal

Salt

Purification and protection.

Pan de muerto

Pan de muerto

Bread of the dead

Generosity and the cycle of life.

Fotos

Fotos

Pictures

Presence and memory.

Comida favorita

Comida favorita

Favourite food

Love in the form of details.

Vocabulario útil (ES/EN)

Key Spanish vocabulary to talk about Día de Muertos.

Español
English
agua
water
sal
salt
mole / tamales
mole / tamales
camino de pétalos
path of petals
catrina
elegant skeleton lady
panteón
cemetery
cempasúchil
marigold
altar / ofrenda
altar
calaverita
little skull / playful poem
pan de muerto
sweet bread (Day of the Dead)
papel picado
cut-paper banners
velas
candles
incienso / copal
incense / copal
retrato / foto
portrait / photo
tradición
tradition
memoria
memory
honra / homenaje
honor / tribute
recuerdos
mementos
cruz
cross
raíces
roots

Mini-actividad

Encuentra 3 elementos de la ofrenda en tu casa y dilos en español.

(EN: Find 3 elements of the ofrenda around your home and say them in Spanish.)

Coco 2017 Disney Pixar
RECOMMENDATION

Coco (Disney Pixar)

Coco is a family movie that portrays the Day of the Dead tradition with respect and tenderness highlighting the importance of memory, music, and family.

Use it as a doorway to spark conversations at home about photos, stories, and recipes that connect generations.

Preguntas frecuentes

Frequently asked questions

¿Es lo mismo Halloween que Día de Muertos?

No. Son tradiciones distintas con orígenes y sentidos diferentes. El Día de Muertos celebra la vida y la memoria familiar.

¿Necesito todos los elementos para hacer una ofrenda?

No. Con intención y respeto, puedes empezar con flores, una foto, agua y una vela.

¿Desde qué edad pueden tomar clases?

Desde 5–6 años en adelante; también tenemos opciones en familia.

Explore Spanish through real traditions

Free trial classes (30 min) for kids and families: games, songs, and living vocabulary.

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