1. Day of the Dead Quest Sheets
Nombres : Julio Rogers, Andres Peace Clase: SP3 Periodo: 1st
Day of the Dead Quest Sheet
Octavio Paz writes the Mexican has no problems with death that he "... chases after it, mocks it, courts
it, hugs it, sleeps with it, it is his favorite plaything and his most lasting love." In your opinion, how is
this idea similar to or different from our "United States" view on death?
Our view on death is very different from a Mexicans view on death. En El Estados Unidos we
view death as a sacred stage of life in which the dead are to be respected and remembered. They are
not to be mocked or disrespected. The American and Mexican view of death is two very different
perspectives.
When is All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebrated?
All Saints day es en el primero de Noviembre. All Souls Day es en el segundo de Noviembre.
Even though each region in Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead differently, what are things that they
do have in common.
Family Meetings, cooking, and festivals.
November 1 is reserved to remember _____________________.
November 2 is reserved to remember _______________________.
November 1 is reserved to remember deceased children.
November 2 is reserved to remember deceased adults.
From mid-October to the first week in November, what are some of the items markets and shops stock
up on?
The stores stock up on skeletons, tissue paper cut-outs, wreaths, and crosses decorated
with paper or silk flowers. There are also candles, votives, and fresh seasonal flowers for sale.
List 5 edible goodies enjoyed on Day of the Dead.
Calabaza en tacha
Pan de muertos
Candy Calaveras

2. Chocolate coffins
Dancing calacas
What are some things that are used to create an altar?
Family members create an offering altar in honor of their deceased relatives, decorating it
with tissue paper, candles, flowers, photographs of the person, candy skulls inscribed with the
name of the deceased, and a selection of his or her favorite foods and beverages. The offering
may also include a pack of cigarettes for after dinner for former smokers, or a selection of toys
and extra sweets for deceased children.
What occurs on November 2?
Family members gather at the cemetery for festive reunions. Some bring picnic baskets,
tequila for toasting the departed, and sometimes a mariachi band plays music and sing-alongs.
How do Aztecs view death?
Among the Aztecs, death was considered a blessing. For example, it was a good thing to
die in childbirth, battle, or as a human sacrifice. It assured the victim a desirable destination in the
afterlife.
In Mixquic, what takes place to celebrate Day of the Dead?
Merchants set up street stands, and in the cemetery, all family burial plots are elaborately
adorned with an array of decor in the hope of luring departed spirits. At 2 p.m. on November 1,
relatives gather at each tomb to mourn the loss of loved ones with la llorada (the weeping). Later,
when darkness falls, the glow of thousands of votive candles illuminates the way for the departed.
Then, at midnight, they are called home with the mournful tolling of bells. Lastly, each soul is
lovingly remembered with recitations of the Rosary.

3. Food Quest Sheet
Who is la Catrina?
The elegant skull – a work of art by Mexicugean printmaker José Guadalupe Posada.
What are some foods that are made during Day of the Dead?
Bread, tamales, soups, beverages, and sweets.
What are the different types of Pan de Muertos or Bread of the Dead?
Some are rounded, some are in fun shapes, and some are made with anise bread.
What do children love to eat?
Sweets.
What is the purpose of having a glass of water at the altar?
The deceasedare “dead tired” when they arrive (bad dum TSS)
In your own words, describe the cemeteries in Mexico? What do you like or dislike about the cemetery
decorations?
They are very interesting. I personally enjoy the creativity, and find the grave sites really cool.
Look at the two recipes along the right side of the page. Would you eat either one of these recipes?
What do you like and do not like about each?
I have tried Pan de Muertos, and while I have not tried the Shrimp Tamales, I would definitely try
either. I love Pan de Muertos, and I love shrimp, but I personally do not like olives so that part I don’t
like.

4. Nombre_____________________ Clase __________ Periodo ________
Wordplay Quest Sheet
Unscramble the vocabulary word, then using the glossary, write the definition.
1. avlasecr - calaveras
2. oelm - mole
3. lpoalic - copalli
4. otlae - atole
5. gatnielso - angelitos
6. tacera - careta
7. acavler - calavera
8. fodraen - ofrenda
9. qfelnaieu - alfenique
10. apn ed osl ermtuso - pan de los muertos
11. zpamchtcleui - cempazuchitl
Definitions
1. Songs about the festival.
2. A thick sauce made from seeds, spices, chilis, chocolate, and fruit.
3. A scented resin used to make incense
4. An ancient drink made from corn meal, water, and fruits.
5. The souls of the children who died.
6. Scary masks worn by dancers.
7. A skull.
8. An offering on the altar.
9. A special confection to decorate skulls, fruits, and other things.
10. “Bread of the Dead”
11. A yellow marigold, the symbol of death.

5. Day of the Dead vs.
Halloween
Originally to ward off bad ghosts To honor the dead
and spirits. Candy Special recipes
Trick or Treating Kid friendly events Altars on gravestones
Costumes
Scary Decorations
Communites get together