As Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) approaches, there’s no better time to introduce children to the rich cultural traditions of Mexican art through hands-on projects. One of the most iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos is the calavera—or skull—often depicted as mariachi skulls playing instruments, dressed in vibrant costumes. These playful figures are central to Mexican folk art, blending the themes of life, music, and remembrance into lively celebrations.
In this woodblock printing project, we’ll guide kids in creating their own mariachi skeleton prints, introducing them to both the art of woodblock printing and the traditions behind Día de los Muertos.
Understanding Día de los Muertos and Mariachi Skulls
Día de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and parts of Latin America on November 1st and 2nd. Rather than a time for mourning, it is a celebration of life and death, where families honor loved ones who have passed away. Central to the celebration are altars adorned with bright marigolds, sugar skulls, candles, and favorite foods of the deceased, all of which help guide the spirits back to the living world.
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Among the most recognizable symbols of Día de los Muertos are calaveras, or skulls, often made of sugar and decorated in colorful patterns. In Mexican folk art, mariachi skeletons represent the joyous side of the afterlife, where the dead continue to play music, dance, and celebrate.
These skeletal musicians remind us that life and death are interconnected, and that even in death, we can find joy.
Download the teacher’s handbook made available by the Mexican Museum in San Francisco.
Mariachi Music and Its Role in Mexican Culture
Mariachi music plays a significant role in Mexican culture, especially during festivals like Día de los Muertos. Originating in the state of Jalisco, mariachi bands traditionally consist of violins, trumpets, guitars, and singers, performing both joyful and melancholic songs. The music often accompanies celebrations, including the Día de los Muertos parades and gatherings, where mariachi skeletons are depicted performing as though life continues even after death.
In this project, we will combine the tradition of mariachi music with the visual elements of Día de los Muertos to create stunning woodblock prints of mariachi skeletons. This project not only teaches kids the basics of printmaking but also introduces them to Mexican traditions in a fun and creative way.
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What You’ll Need for the Woodblock Printing Project
Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, gather these materials for the woodblock printing process:
- A small block of soft linoleum or rubber plate (easy for kids to carve)
- Linoleum cutters or carving tools
- Carbon paper for transferring the design
- Black ink or printing paint
- A roller (brayer) for spreading ink evenly
- Watercolor paints (optional, for adding color to the final prints)
- Printing paper (we love Xuan paper)
- Pencils and reference images of mariachi skeletons or other Día de los Muertos symbols
Step-by-Step Instructions for Woodblock Printing
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Step 1: Prepare Your Design
Start by having kids choose a mariachi skeleton design or other traditional Día de los Muertos symbols, such as skulls or musicians. Using carbon paper, they will trace the design onto the linoleum or wood block. You can provide examples of skeletons playing instruments, which is a common theme in Mexican folk art.
Step 2: Carve the Block
Next, kids will carefully carve the design using linoleum cutters. It’s important to supervise this step to ensure safety. Instruct them to carve away the negative space, leaving the raised areas of the design that will be inked later.
Step 3: Apply Ink
Once the design is carved, use a roller to spread black ink evenly across the surface of the block. This step can be a lot of fun, as kids get to see how their design comes to life as the ink covers the raised areas.
Step 4: Make the Print
Press the inked block firmly onto a piece of thick paper. You can use your hands or a baren to apply even pressure, ensuring the print transfers clearly. Peel the paper back slowly to reveal the mariachi skeleton print!
Step 5: Add Color
Once the ink is dry, kids can add color using watercolors or colored pencils. Encourage them to use the bright, festive colors associated with Día de los Muertos, such as reds, yellows, and blues, to bring their mariachi skeletons to life.
Step 6: Create Multiple Prints
One of the best parts of woodblock printing is the ability to create multiple prints from a single block. Encourage kids to experiment with different color combinations or even try printing on different types of paper to see how it affects the final result.
Why This Project Is Special
This woodblock printing project isn’t just a fun art activity—it’s a way for kids to engage with Mexican culture, particularly the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos. By learning about mariachi music and the calaveras that represent the joyful side of death, kids get a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind the symbols.
Mariachi skeletons are a celebration of life, and by creating their own versions, kids are connecting with a centuries-old tradition in a hands-on, creative way. The bright colors and playful imagery make this project a perfect fit for Día de los Muertos, offering a fresh perspective on how art can be used to honor and remember those who have passed.
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Celebrating Mexican Art and Culture
This project is part of a broader exploration of Mexican art. Beyond Día de los Muertos, Mexican folk art encompasses a wide range of styles and themes, from pre-Colombian art to the revolutionary prints of artists like José Guadalupe Posada. Through the creation of mariachi skull prints, kids are not only learning an artistic technique, but they are also engaging with the rich cultural traditions that continue to shape Mexican identity.
Encourage kids to add their own creative touches to their prints, whether it’s through vibrant colors or intricate details, making each mariachi skeleton their own. By connecting art with culture, this project is a wonderful way for children to celebrate and appreciate the joyful spirit of Día de los Muertos.
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Final Thoughts
Día de los Muertos is a time for honoring life, celebrating loved ones, and creating art that reflects the beauty of Mexican culture. This woodblock printing project is a fantastic way to introduce children to the traditions of mariachi music and calaveras, using art as a bridge to learn about Mexican heritage. Through simple materials and creative expression, kids can create their own mariachi skeletons, bringing to life the festive spirit of Día de los Muertos in their own unique way.
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