El Dia de los Muertos is a tradition that is celebrated in Mexico for over 500 years. It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. This is a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. It is not supposed to be sad or scary; it’s a time to celebrate life itself. In Mexico on these two days people create altars that are filled with food, photographs, candles, skulls, flowers, etc. to remember all the great memories from those who have passed away. Some Mexicans decorate and set up altars at the grave sites as well. The calavera, or skeleton is an important symbol during Dia del los Muertos. On these two special days there are many types of toys, food, masks and miniatures made to look like skulls or skeletons. The 3rd grade students studied the proportions of the body and how the body moves. Students were able to create 3 different skeletons in different dancing positions. They had to remember to fill their space and not leave much negative space. Students were able to add many details to their skeletons to create a movement. Finally students used various lines, shapes and colors to fill their backgrounds to create unity throughout their artwork.
