Category Archives: Introduction

Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos is a celebration honoring those who are no longer living. This website reflects a collaboration between Lawndale Art Center, Houston area art educators, and the Art Education Program and the Laboratory … Continue reading →

Marigolds are sold in the markets for Dia de los Muertos (Photo Credit: Pernel S. Thyseldew www.digthatcrazyfarout.com) Day of the Dead promotes cultural awareness of Mexican folk art practices associated with the celebration. This community and family tradition celebrates family, … Continue reading →

A Dia de los Muertos altar in Santiago Pinotepa Nacionál (Photo Credit: Pernel S. Thyseldew www.digthatcrazyfarout.com) Altars or ofrendas are built by families and communities to honor the dead. These altars reflect family and community traditions and are rooted in … Continue reading →

Food and drink offerings are placed on altars to appeal to the returning soul. The food and drink are thought to help sustain the visiting soul on its journey to and from the living world. Items such as sweet bread … Continue reading →

Yellow Marigolds or Cempasúchil or other flowers such as the purple Cockscomb or Mano de León are sold in the markets for decorating altars and gravesites. Sometimes petals are sprinkled to the doorway of the home and on the way … Continue reading →

Family members make processions to the cemetery bringing offerings and decorations to the gravesites. Once at the grave, families keep watch all night, lighting candles to guide the souls. Meanwhile, musicians play celebratory music, while priests offer blessings. At dawn … Continue reading →

Click the links below to view artists who have created work influenced by day of the dead. Mark Vallen painting influenced by Day of the Dead in Los Angelos, California A mural by Diego Rivera and the webiste of other … Continue reading →