Day of the Dead K–12 Program

girl draws mexican skull mask.

Grades K–12, 45 Minutes

"We have done the self-guided tour in the past, and incorporating the program into our day was a wonderful choice for us! The students were engaged and excited. The presenter was great and thoughtfully interacted with the students. It tied directly to our curriculum and the students learned a lot beyond what we had been able to cover in class."
—Teacher (4th Grade) Lynch Elementary School, Winchester, MA

Integrates with studies of

  • Mexico and Mexican people today and in the past
  • Customs from around the world
  • Spanish language
  • Visual arts interdisciplinary connections

Program Description

On the Day of the Dead, November 1 and 2, Mexicans celebrate death as a part of life. Visit an ofrenda or altar to explore the elements of this festival through artifacts. Download templates and instructions to make a take-home craft. Choose at the time of reservation either calacas (skull masks) or cempasúchils (paper flowers). This presentation encourages student participation, including discussion. The class takes place in the Encounters in the Americas galleries. Groups visiting October 30–November 19, 2023 will experience additional festive displays. (45 minutes)

Available in-person and virtually. Taught in either English or Spanish by a bilingual educator.

Learn more about Day of the Dead's origins and traditions

Schedule a Program

Related Resources

Teacher-Recommended Media for K-12 Education

See the Day of the Dead exhibit page for videos

  • Harvard Professor Davíd Carrasco talks Day of the Dead altars in front of the permanent altar
  • A video interview with Mizael Sanchez, the artist who made the Peabody's permanent altar

Interactive Altar Post-Visit Student Activity

A close-looking activity using an interactive 360° image.