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 Dia
de los Muertos
Your job is to become an expert in Dia de los
Muertos celebration. The information that you gather can be
presented in the following forms:
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A pamphlet
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A Newspaper Article
Use the following questions to guide your research.
History
Día de los Muertos is a good entry point to
discussing how México is a product of many influences. How is the Day of the Dead a blend of
Catholic traditions and traditions of the indigenous peoples (Native Americans) of México?
Where do you see influences of Catholicism and where do you see other ideas ?
1. Describe some of the traditions of Día de los Muertos and
explain how this celebration is a blend of cultures.
You may also choose to compare and contrast the traditions and
celebrations of the
All Saints Day in France and in Mexico.
Making Fun of Death?
To the uninitiated, Day of the Dead may seem
disrespectful. Some people may not recognize sugar skulls and toy skeletons as part of a
heartfelt process of honoring the dead. Describe some of the traditions of Día de los Muertos.
2. Explain the philosophy of Día de los Muertos and how those
traditions serve to honor lost loved ones.
The Family & Day of the Dead
The role of the family is especially strong in many
Hispanic communities. Describe the traditions of Día de los Muertos
and how these traditions serve two purposes:
3. to honor lost loved ones in the
family, and b) to involve all members of the family,
including children, in the memorial.
Practice Your
Creativity:
"Calaveras" are very
popular during this celebration. Their purpose is to amuse with their
satirical nature.
4. Take a look at a sample
calavera provide an example of your own creation. You can write it about a famous
artist, politian, or a family member.
Brittney Spears'
Calavera
Calaveras Samples
Jose Guadalupe Posada is one of the most famous artist in Mexico. His
art is still very popular and appreciated today as an authentic representation
of Dia de los Muertos folklore.
5. Provide a brief biography for Jose Guadalupe Posada and some
examples of his art. You also need to create a picture of your own with your report.
Dia de los
Muertos Art
More Art Samples
And More Samples
6. Last, let's make a sugar skull and decorate just the
way people do in Mexico!
Sugar Skulls Samples
More Samples
And More Samples
Project Rubric
Use the following links
to help you find the information.
Dia de los
Muertos
All Saints Day Celebrations in France
Calaveras-Poems
More Calaveras
The Day of the
Dead, Through the Eyes of the Soul-- text and book excepts from
a journalist who has been researching the Day of the Dead for over
ten years.
El Dia de los
Muertos -- overview with an emphasis on food.
Day of the Dead--
Overview (Spanish) -- background on the tradition for Spanish
speakers.
Pre-Columbian Art -- life and death in ancient Mexico.
Background
on Dia del los Muertos and Halloween.
Art by Jose Guadalupe Posada
Celebrations in other parts of the world
The Day of the Dead, All
Souls Feast in Oaxaca -- Photographs and a description of the
celebration in Oaxaca.
Day of the Dead -- background and photos with links to a map of
Mexico and information on its indigenous people.
Folk Traditions
Los arcos (las ofrendas) -- a description on making an altar
Papel Picado
Calaveras de Azucar
Las flores
Papel Amate
El
pan de los muertos
Cinco
de mayo
Research the following topics:
1. What is Cinco de Mayo?
2. What caused the conflict that led to the
Battle of Puebla?
3. Explain what happened at the Battle of Puebla.
4. How long did the conflict last and in
what year did it end?
5. What was the end result of the conflict?
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Festive Foods
- Name and describe three typical
foods served at Cinco de mayo celebrations.
- What are some common staples found in the
Mexican diet?
Modern Music & Moves
1. What is Mariachi music?
2. What kind of dances are popular in Cinco
de mayo celebrations?
Typical Traditions
1. What can
you expect to see in a Cinco de mayo parade?
2. What type of events are popular in Los Angeles to
celebrate Cinco de mayo?
3. Why is Cinco de mayo celebrated on a much larger
scale in the U.S.?
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 Artists
Research
There are many famous Hispanic artists that have
made our world better with their creations and inspirations.
select one of the following artists and research about their life
and art work. You may choose one of the following projects to
present your information:
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Brochure
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Biography
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Newspaper Article
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PowerPoint Presentation
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Movie Maker Presentation
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Diego Rivera
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Frida Khalo
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Pablo Picasso
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Federico Garcia Lorca
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Pablo Neruda
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Salvador Dali
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Diego Velasquez
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David Alfaro Siqueiros
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Francisco Lope de Vega
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Jose Marti
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Gabriela Mistral
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