6 Authentic (and Free!) Day of the Dead Virtual Field Trips

With Día de los Muertos coming up and more socially-distanced time still on our plate, Day of the Dead virtual field trips are a great way to celebrate Mexican culture and see authentic traditions in action.

While I won’t say no to rewatching Coco, there are plenty of ways we can teach and share the day. The following Day of the Dead virtual field trips are just the tip of the iceberg.

Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, Día de los Muertos is Mexico’s colorful and vibrant celebration of the dead. It’s a way to honor and respect dead ancestors.

Families typically make an altar (or ofrenda) with their loved ones’ favorite things so their ancestors’ spirits can find their way back to the living for the day.

You can have students take part in the celebration by going on the following Day of the Dead virtual field trips.

Day of the Dead Virtual Field Trips

#1 Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center

Located in Austin, Texas, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center celebrates Mexican-American and Latin-American art and culture. Since the pandemic their facilities have been closed, which means everything is now available digitally. Head to their Day of the Dead website for a list of digital programming on November 1st and 2nd. You can also check out their YouTube channel and learn how to make sugar skulls and paper flowers. (If you’re in the Austin area you can pick up a free sugar skull making kit). To keep the fun going they also have contests running for best altar and best calavera.

#2 National Museum of Mexican Art

Next up, is Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art. Their exhibition Sólo un poco aquí: Day of the Dead is taking place virtually this year from September 18th to December 13th. The online guided public tours are free, but you need to register in advance. Students can get a look at authentic Day of the Dead art. For more information and other related programs read their digital brochure.

#3 Google Arts & Culture

For a huge selection of videos, art, museum tours, and history about Día de los Muertos check out Google Arts & Culture’s Day of the Dead exhibit.

#4 Carolina Storyteller: Dia de Los Muertos

Carolina Storyteller is a bilingual performer with a selection of Latin American myths and folktales from October 9th to November 1st. You can add her to your Day of the Dead virtual field trips by watching her perform here.

#5 Calaverandia

Did you know there is a Día de los Muertos theme park (the first in the world) in Guadalajara, Mexico? Calaverandia looks insanely fun. Kids can check out their website or be mesmerized by Calaverandia videos on YouTube.

#6 Smithsonian Latino Center

Finally, join the Smithsonian Latino Center and the National Museum of the American Indian as they celebrate the Day of the Dead with online events on October 30th, October 31st, and November 1st. They have Día de los Muertos reading lists, mask templates, and plenty of online programming to keep little ones learning and honoring their loved ones.

No matter where you are in the world, participating in Día de los Muertos is just a click away with these Day of the Dead virtual field trips. Enjoy!