#  Day of the Dead K–12 Program 

 



 ![day of the dead altar.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/2025-08/Day_of_the_Dead_altar%C2%A9EJSP%20_%20Julieta%20Sarmiento_web.jpg)

 

## Day of the Dead K–12 (45 Minutes)

### [Schedule a Program](/schedule-k12-group)

> *"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](/encounters-americas) galleries. (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](/day-dead-exhibit).

### Teacher Resources

- [Day of the Dead/El Día de los Muertos Information Handout (PDF)](https://peabody.harvard.edu/file_url/596)
- [Day of the Dead/El Día de los Muertos Information Handout \[text version\]](https://peabody.harvard.edu/day-dead-k-12-information-sheet-text)
- [Day of the Dead Worksheet (PDF)](/file_url/1181)
- [Day of the Dead Worksheet (Spanish) (PDF)](/file_url/1185)
- [Day of the Dead Make a Skull Mask Activity (PDF)](/file_url/995)
- [Day of the Dead Papel Picado (Cut Paper Banner) Activity (PDF)](/file_url/996)
- [Day of the Dead Cempsúchil Flower Activity (PDF)](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/peabody/files/dod-cempasuchil_craft_instructions.pdf "dod-cempasuchil_craft_instructions.pdf")
- [Day of the Dead Color a Candelabra (PDF)](/sites/g/files/omnuum4921/files/peabody/files/candelabra.pdf "candelabra.pdf")

### Teacher-Recommended Media for K-12 Education

[See the Day of the Dead exhibit page for videos](/day-dead-exhibit)

- 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

*Photo © EJSP | Julieta Sarmiento*