The other day I bought some Catrina-shaped band-aids at my local grocery store. When my kids found out about them, it seemed to me that they were having “boo-boos” every five minutes. Needless to say, the Catrina band-aids only lasted a few days!
I like Catrinas, however, you should know that it was not always like that. Not long ago, those skeleton figures that are prevalent during the Day of the Dead felt odd to me. It was only after I was helping to plan a Day of the Dead event when I understood its cultural relevance and the reason why people were fascinated by them.
During our planning meetings for the event, I had the opportunity to learn more about altars, marigolds and of course, Catrinas. But it was actually the bilingual book that you see in the picture what helped me to understand better the relevance of these components for this day in Mexico.
There are also great children’s books that provide a good understanding of The Day of the Dead. If you are passing this beautiful tradition to your kids or if you are trying to learn more about the Day of the Dead in Mexico, the following bilingual books are great resources.
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6 Bilingual Books for Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead / El Dia De Los Muertos
This is a MUST have bilingual book for Day of the Dead! It’s actually the book that my office chose to read to the kids that were attending the event. It provides great information on this holidays through the colorful pictures and story.
This is the sweet story of a young girl helping her family to honor those who have died-especially her grandpa. It gives others an outlook of this beautiful tradition and help children to connect to the Mexican culture.
Catrina’s day of the dead: El dia de muertos de Catrina
Join Catrina on her favorite day and enjoy together all the things that “El dia de los muertos” The day of the Dead, make this celebration such a marvelous time.
Festival of Bones / El Festival de las Calaveras
The author allows children to join the celebration as they watch the skeletons rock, rattle, and roll those long old bones as they get ready for the biggest event of their social calendar. A short and fun essay, directed toward young readers, will explain this important Mexican holiday.
Un barrilete / Barrilete: para el Día de los Muertos / A Kite for the Day of the Dead
Juan and his brothers always helped their grandfather build the kite for the Day of the Dead. But their grandfather has recently died, and the boys must carry on the tradition on their own. This beautifully photographed book shows us the village of Santiago and tells us Juan’s story as he gathers the materials, builds the kite and, finally, flies it with this help of his friends.
The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story
It’s the Day of the Dead and Nando and his mother are going to honor Tío Fernando. Nando, named for Uncle Fernando, listens as his mother tells him that later, at the cemetery, they will meet with Tío Fernando’s spirit.
Do you celebrate Day of the Dead?
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