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What is Mexico’s “Day of the Dead”? Why art on that day?

At Global Learning Center 3L-Miel, we held an art experience workshop in English called “Mexican Day of the Dead Edition”! By holding it in the week before the end of October, which is the Day of the Dead, we were also able to prepare for decorations.

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“What is the Day of the Dead anyway?” “Why art on that day?”

I’m sure you’re wondering, so after a little explanation, I’ll explain the WHY (why Day of the Dead art), WHAT (what to do), and HOW (how to make it).

First, what is Day of the Dead? If you’ve seen the Disney/Pixar movie “Coco,” you’ll understand the story easily, but Mexico’s “Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)” is a traditional event to celebrate the dead, where family and friends gather together to hold a festive celebration with colorful altars and art while remembering the memories of the deceased.

Halloween and Day of the Dead are held at the same time, and Day of the Dead and Japanese Obon are often confused because the concepts are somewhat similar. Below is a comparison of the three.

And the three days of Day of the Dead have meaning on each day. First, on October 31st, the door is opened so that the Day of the Dead can return. Then, on November 1st, children who have died can return. On the final day, November 2nd, adults can return. It’s wonderful that they prioritize children.

There are various decorations for Day of the Dead, but four elements are needed: water (water or alcohol), fire (candles), earth (bread of the dead), and air (paper cuttings). In addition, decorations of skeletons, marigolds (strong scents to call the dead), and photos of people you want to return are added.

Why Mexican Day of the Dead Art? (WHY)

Day of the Dead art is not just a way to commemorate those who have passed away, but also plays an important cultural role in connecting life and death. Skulls (calaveras) and vibrant decorations are a way to vividly express the cycle of life and memories, as well as respect for the dead. Hearing about this culture verbally doesn’t really resonate with you, so by actually making art and experiencing and learning about it, you can not only hone your creativity, but also reaffirm our views on life and death and our bonds with people.

What is Mexican Day of the Dead Art? (WHAT)

The most representative Day of the Dead art is the “calavera” (skull) and “papel picado” (papercut). Calaveras are decorated brightly and colorfully, and express love and respect for the dead. Papercuts are characterized by their intricate patterns and designs, and are used to decorate altars and are also used as gifts.

How to Express this Art (HOW)

In this workshop, participants first cut out the outline of a “skull” and drew a design. For the skeleton, we used an old foot mat. Using simple tools, each participant was able to color it and create their own unique skeleton! We also made paper cutting patterns together and cut out motifs to decorate the altar. The participants enjoyed creative expression while learning the meaning of “Day of the Dead” through art.

Comments from participants included, “It was just so much fun,” “I was able to come into contact with Mexican culture in a natural way,” “I think Japanese people should also face life and death more seriously,” and “My English is not that good, but I was able to learn naturally  through art.”

The learning of this time 

By experiencing the art of “Day of the Dead”, a cultural custom of the faraway country of Mexico, in English, I discovered that I could learn about the country’s culture, values ​​regarding life and death, and learn English in a natural and fun way. 

Thank you for reading this article. Have a great learning!

MD