Day of the Dead: 20 Creative Projects to Make for Your Party or Celebration

Celebrate The Day of the Dead with 20 Fun Projects!

The growing popularity of Dia de los Muertos—The Day of the Dead—can be seen in the increased number of festivals, music concerts, art fairs, altar nights, arts-and-crafts events, costume contests, and candlelit processions (including the famed one held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery). Now you can bring the essence of Mexico's beloved traditions to your own themed party with this evocative guide that includes 20 practical projects. Learn the origins and rituals of this special festival and how to:

• Create a respectful and beautiful decorated altar with projects for Flor de Muerto (marigold paper pom-poms), Calavaras (sugar skulls), Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), Mezcal shooters, and more
• Find inspiration in traditional Mexicana Art and Artisania to create projects such as Papel picado (cut-tissue paper decorations), fairy light embellishments, embroidered napkins, and more
• Explore the spectacular look of La Catrina (Mexico's skeleton lady) with ideas for women's and men's costumes and instructions for facial art designs, a floral headdress, felt hat, and more

You'll also discover other ideas for events with a Day of the Dead theme, including poetry readings, music, and dancing. Features a directory of Day of the Dead festivals and parades.

"Paper crafter Pascual, food stylist ¬Rebecca Woods, and travel writer Phillip Tang present this collection of craft projects, recipes, and costuming ideas for celebrating Day of the Dead. Many of the elements of this traditional Mexican celebration are familiar to American audiences, especially sugar skulls and papel picado, and the authors describe the history and meaning behind these and other traditional arts and crafts associated with Day of the Dead. A selection of recipes ideal for celebrations, suggestions for make-up and costuming for both men and women, and a directory of large, public Day of the Dead celebrations in both the U.S. and Mexico are included. VERDICT: Interest in Day of the Dead celebrations continues to grow in the U.S., and this book provides the cultural context and history behind the elements of traditional celebrations, rather than simply presenting the projects as quirky, macabre, Halloween-style crafts."
—Library Journal