Free Printables: Coloring Pages for Dia de Muertos
Download these five beautifully designed coloring pages to bring the spirit of Dia de Muertos to life at school, home, or any festive gathering.
This fall, infuse your seasonal celebrations with vibrant colors and cultural richness by drawing inspiration from Dia de Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead.
This cherished tradition offers a unique opportunity to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away, and it can be a meaningful way to involve the whole family, including the little ones, in the festivities.
Understanding Dia de Muertos
Dia de Muertos is a tradition celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It's a time when families gather to remember and celebrate the lives of their deceased family members and friends.
The most important part of the celebration is the creation of an ofrenda or altar, decorating it with photos, flowers, and favorite foods of the departed. Brightly colored decorations, particularly calaveritas (sugar skulls) and papel picado (perforated paper), create a festive vibe that honors the memory of those who have passed, and there are other elements that are traditionally used in ofrendas like pan de muerto and marigold flowers.
Crafting with Kids
Engaging children in Dia de Muertos activities can be both educational and fun. One simple way to introduce them to the tradition is through creative and simple crafts, like making calaveritas lollipops , decorating their own chocolate skulls , or creating papel picado for the altar or ofrenda.
Another great way to entertain them is with coloring pages, just like the ones we want to share with you in this post!
MATERIALS:
Coloring Pages PDF: Download Live Colorful Dia de Muertos coloring pages featuring traditional symbols like sugar skulls, marigolds, pan de muerto and papel picado.
Printer: For printing the coloring pages.
Paper: Regular printer paper works fine, but for more durability, especially if creating masks, opt for card stock.
Crayons, Markers, or Coloring Pencils: To bring the coloring pages to life with vibrant colors.
Celebrate Dia de Muertos with These Coloring Pages:
Download and Print:
Start by downloading the Dia de Muertos coloring pages PDF here:
Live Colorful Dia de Muertos Coloring Pages Printable
The PDF features traditional symbols like sugar skulls, marigolds, pan de muerto and papel picado. These printable pages are just for personal use not for commercial use.
Print the pages on regular printer paper for general coloring activities. For masks or other crafts that require sturdier materials, use card stock.
2. Coloring Fun:
Provide the kids with a variety of crayons, markers, or coloring pencils.
Let them color the pages, encouraging them to use bright, festive colors that reflect the vibrant spirit of Dia de Muertos. Discuss the significance of the symbols they are coloring, like sugar skulls and marigolds, as you go along.
3. Creating Masks (Optional):
For an added craft activity, the sugar skull design you see in the PDF can be turned into masks.
Print the sugar skull coloring pages on card stock for durability.
Once you color the mask, cut out the masks and use craft materials such as glitter, glue, beads, or feathers to decorate them. Attach a string or elastic band so the masks can be worn.
As you work on these activities, take the opportunity to talk with the children about Dia de Muertos in an age-appropriate way. Explain how families celebrate by remembering loved ones with joy and color, and share stories or traditions associated with the holiday.
Additional Tips:
Involve the Family: Make the crafting session a family activity where everyone can participate and share their thoughts about Dia de Muertos.
Create a Mini Ofrenda: After coloring, consider creating a small and simple ofrenda using the completed crafts. Here is a guide to make a simple ofrenda or altar for Dia de Muertos with the kids.
Arrange your coloring pages alongside photos of loved ones, adding a personal touch to your celebration :)