Open Educational Resources
Document Type
Lesson Plan
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
You do not need to be Mexican to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). What you need however is a deep and thoughtful cultural understanding of the practice. This lesson plan teaches students what Dia de los Muertos is, the influence of colonialism (past and present), how mainstream media understands the celebration in the U.S., and how local communities honor the celebration. This approach is from a media studies perspective and a particular focus on art, specifically altar making or making an ofrenda. Writer, philosopher, tejana Gloria E. Anzaldúa details that altars are “‘the sanctuary of the soul,’ a ‘hope-filled activity,’ a ‘sources of inspiration and visualization,’ a ‘symbology system,’ and a method for ‘facilitating change.’ Additionally, she reminds us that altars assist us in building community-with ourselves, our ancestors, our spirit guides, local spirits, and each other.” Therefore, creating an ofrenda, is a literal offering by community and for community.
CUNY OER Funding
CUNY OER Initiative
Included in
American Popular Culture Commons, Chicana/o Studies Commons, Ethnic Studies Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Visual Studies Commons
