Crafts to celebrate the Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead is a holiday traditionally celebrated in Mexico, Central America, some parts of South America, and now in the United States, thanks to the Latinx community continuing this tradition.

When the Day of the Dead arrives, many choose to keep this tradition alive by setting up an altar, baking pan de muerto, and even applying makeup with this theme.

All of this can be done at home with a few ingredients and supplies.

Make this Day of the Dead a memorable celebration. Check out the following ideas to get creative and remember your loved ones.

ALTARS

Honor those special members of your family and friends who have passed away by creating an altar in your room or living room. Altars generally include papel picado, crosses, pan de muerto, candles, flowers, sugar skulls, traditional food, incense, and any personal items of the deceased, such as pictures. Below are some creative ideas to build your own altar.

MAKEUP

Painting your face has become part of the Day of the Dead celebration and also a resource in case you need a last-minute Halloween costume. All you need is black eyeliner, bright eye shadows, white face paint, and a bit of creativity. Complement your outfit with a colorful floral headpiece.

PAPEL PICADO

Paper crafts are typical for the Day of the Dead, and papel picado and paper flowers are the most popular. To make papel picado, you can find templates online to easily cut the designs you want. Hang your creations over the altar or string them across the ceiling if you are hosting a Day of the Dead-themed party. Watch the following video and learn how to make paper flowers similar to Cempaxúchitl flowers, the orange and yellow flowers typically used for altars, papel picado, and other paper crafts.

SWEET BREAD

Pan de muerto is the traditional sweet bread baked each year for the Day of the Dead, but you can also get creative and bake gingerbread skeletons or cupcakes. Click here to learn how to easily bake delicious pan de muerto.