Día De Los Muertos: A Celebration Guide

on October 16, 2015

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Celebrate The Day of The Dead

Du00eda de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated every November as a way to honor loved ones that have passed on. Whether it's an annual celebration in your family or it's on your calendar for the first time, here are some tips to get creative while learning more about this holiday's history.

Casa Artelexia

Sugar Skull Pumpkins

Sugar skulls are traditionally used to honor the dead and left on altars dedicated to their memory. Combine Halloween and this celebration by painting pumpkins with this bright pattern. Tutorial here, and grab this set of pumpkin paints to help you get started.

Etsy: Polished Two

Dia De Los Muertos Bracelet

These fun and festive bracelets are an easy way to add a little Day of the Dead spirit to your attire. Buy your own set of spirited bangles here.

Growing Up Bilingual

Day of the Dead Balloons

If you're hosting a Day of The Dead Party, these balloons are a quick and easy decoration. Simply use white balloons and permanent marker to make your own spooky faces. Full details of this DIY here.

Brad Goodell

Dia De Los Muertos Wine Glasses

Celebrate this festival in elegant with these sugar skull etched wine glasses. Perfect for you and your life (and death!) partner. Purchase a pair of these glasses here.

Buzzfeed

Dia De Los Muertos Costume

Many people will paint themselves as a catrina (skeleton) for celebration of this holiday. Here are some great examples of Du00eda de los Muertos costumes for both men and women.

Crafty Chica

Sugar Skull Caramel Apples

Transform a fall favorite into the perfect party snack! These caramel apples are designed to look like sugar skulls and are simply adorable. Learn how to make your own here, and get started with candy melts and an array of colorful food pastes.

Cats Like Us

Dia De Los Muertos Cardigan

This quirky and fun cardigan is a great way to show off your Day of the Dead spirit. Get your own here.

Casue Sweets

Day of the Dead Cookies

The options are limitless for decorating sugar skull cookies-feel free to use your favorite patterns and colors from a cookie icing set like this one to make your own skeletal creation. We love these cookies from Casue Sweets!

Inked Shop

Sugar Skull Mug

Keep your drinks bone-tingling warm with this creative and cozy mug. Get your own here from Inked Shop!

Sweet Paul

Pan de Muerto

Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) is a classic Mexican pastry made in celebration of this holiday. It's sweet and topped with a sugared orange zest.

Get the recipe: Pan De Muerto

HappyThought

Colorful Skull Garland

Cut these cute skulls out of crepe paper and string them together for a colorful addition to your Day of the Dead festivities. More information on this DIY here.

Mom.me

Day of the Dead Marshmallow Pops

Edible decorating markers like these make these marshmallow pops an artist's playground. This would be a great family activity on this special holiday.

Get the recipe: Day of the Dead Marshmallow Pops

OhOh Blog

Skull Candle Jar

At night, these skeletons come to life! Add a spooky element to your festivities with these candle jar decorations. Full instructions here.

Brit + Co

Du00eda De Los Muertos Table

During the celebration of Day of the Dead, friends and family will often construct an altar to their loved one with pictures, treats, and their favorite things. Make your own party-friendly altar with candy, sugar skulls, candles, and pumpkins. More party inspiration here and here.

A Beautiful Mess

Candy Skull Platter

Sugar lovers, rejoice! This piece of art is made entirely of candy, and will be all your guests can talk about!

Get the recipe: Day of the Dead Candy Party Tray

Etsy: MayhemHere

Day of the Dead Planter

Just because Du00eda de los Muertos celebrates death doesn't mean it can't celebrate life, too. Plant a loved one's favorite plant in their honor, or simply use them for bright decoration around the house. Get your own planters here.

World Market

Du00eda de Los Muertos Tableware

Not only is this set Day of the Dead themed, the orange and black color scheme makes it perfect for using throughout fall. Get your own set here.

Hey Let's Make Stuff

Day of the Dead Candy Bar

Let your guests concoct their own sweet offerings with this colorful and creative candy bar. This would be perfect for a Du00eda de los Muertos themed birthday party or wedding! Get the instructions for making your own candy bar here.

Modern Art 4 Kids

Du00eda de Los Muertos Art

Let the colors and brightness of the Day of the Dead be your guide to constructing these unique art pieces. Use a variety of textured paper to create a collage that is as unique as the holiday itself. More instructions here.