Day of the Dead Quest Sheets
Nombres Isabel Smith Jacobo Butz Manuel Forbes Clase Spanish 3H Periodo 4th
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?
The United States views death as an awful and sad thing. We honor it, though, with dignity. For
example, schools give excused absences for funerals but not for weddings. The same is with
Mexicans. They honor it, but in a different way. Mexicans celebrate it and honor their ancestors.
When is All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebrated?
All Saints Day is November 1st, and All Souls Day is November 2nd.
Even though each region in Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead differently, what are things that they
do have in common.
All of the celebrations include colorful adornments and lively reunions. There are special foods,
commemorative altars, and noisy fireworks.
November 1 is reserved to remember all of the souls.
November 2 is reserved to remember all of the saints.
From mid-October to the first week in November, what are some of the items markets and shops stock
up on?
They stock up on skeletons and toys, elaborate crosses and silk flowers, candles and marigolds,
special baked goods and chocolate. All of these are put towards the altars that people make as
offerings to the dead.
List 5 edible goodies enjoyed on Day of the Dead.
Sweet breads, dark breads, chocolate, coffins made from sugar, and candies shaped like skulls.
What are some things that are used to create an altar?
Candles, lights, photographs, candies, flowers, and favorite foods are all things that people
might use on their altars.
What occurs on November 2?
On November 2nd, all of the families gather at the cemeteries to honor their lost relatives. They
have a picnic and drink tequila.
How do Aztecs view death?
The Aztecs view death as an honor in childbirth, battle, or human sacrifice.
In Mixquic, what takes place to celebrate Day of the Dead?
There are festivals, food stands, gatherings at cemeteries, and altars. At 2 pm on November 1st,
the relatives gather at the graves to weep and celebrate. At midnight, they hear the sounds of
bells and go home. Each grave is laden with rosary as an offering.
Food Quest Sheet
Nombre: Isabel Smith Clase 2 Periodo ____
Who is la Katrina?
Katarina is a skeletal figure in hat and dress.
What are some foods that are made during Day of the Dead?
Some of the foods that are made during Day of the Dead are the dead ancestor’s favorite dish.
What are the different types of Pan de Muertos or Bread of the Dead?
The most common kind is round, but the other kinds could also be in shapes of animals,
humans, and rabbits.
What do children love to eat?
The children love to eat the chocolate.
What is the purpose of having a glass of water at the altar?
They put water because the souls are thirsty, after there long journey.
In your own words, describe the cemeteries in Mexico? What do you like or dislike about the cemetery
decorations?
Some cemeteries are nice and have proper burials, but others they dump the bodies in a nonpeaceful environment.
Nombre_____________________
Clase __________ Periodo ________
Wordplay Quest Sheet
Unscramble the vocabulary word, then using the glossary, write the definition.
1. avlasecra_________________ Calaveras
2. oelm ____________________ Mole
3. lpoalic ___________________ Copalli
4. otlae ____________________ atole
5. gatnielso__________________ angelitos
6. tacera ____________________ careta
7. acavlera ___________________ calavera
8. fodraen ___________________ ofrenda
9. qfelnaieu __________________ alfenique
10. apn ed osl ermtuso _____________________ pan de los muertos
11. zpamchtcleui ______________________ cempazuchiti
Definitions
1. calaveras - songs and poems about the festival
2. mole - a thick sauce made from a variety of ingredients, including chilis, sesame seeds,
herbs, spices, chocolate and fruit
3. copalli - a scented resin used to make incense
4. atole - an ancient drink made from corn meal and water and flavored with various fruits
5. angelitos - the souls of the children who have died; literally "little angels"
6. careta - mask worn by dancers to scare the dead away at the end of the celebrations
7. calavera - a skull; also a slang term for "daredevil"
8. ofrenda - an offering; refers to the goods set out on the altars
9. alfenique - a special confection used to fashion skulls, fruits and other figures
10. pan de los muertos - bread of the dead
Day of the Dead vs.
Halloween


Celebrated on oct. 31st.
major celebration in
North America.
people dress
up as ghouls,
ghosts,
mummies and
skeletons, and
parade
through the
town carrying
an open
coffin.
celebrated typically on
November 1 (All Saints'
Day) and November 2
(All Souls' Day).