Learn how to make a tapete in honor of Día de los Muertos!

Available as both a bilingual lesson plan and activity.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated every year on November 1st and 2nd throughout Latin America.

There are many different visual traditions associated with Día de los Muertos that vary depending on where you celebrate. One such tradition is the making of tapetes de arena (colorful artworks made out of sand) to welcome and celebrate the spirits of deceased loved ones.

Teachers, we have prepared both English and Spanish lesson plans for you to bring to your classrooms.

Lifelong learners, learn more and make your own tapetes de arena through the Make a Tapete | Haz un Tapete activity!

Tapete de Arena, unknown artist, Oaxaca,
México, 2008. Photo courtesy of Paloma López

Although celebrated at the same time of year, Día de los Muertos is not Mexican Halloween; it is a time to remember lost loved ones and to honor Mexican history and culture.

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