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The Day of the Dead is a tradition celebrated on November 1 and 2, dates on which the memory of the deceased is honored. According to belief, the deceased return home, to the world of the living, to live with their relatives and to nourish themselves with the essence of the food offered to them on the altars placed in their honor.
It is worth noting that, in this celebration, death does not represent an absence but a living presence; death is a symbol of life that materializes in the altar offered.
In this sense, this day is of utmost importance in the culture of several countries and that is why some children usually have activities, ranging from drawing to reading stories, which narrate the different stories of this date.
Many of these stories can be found in a PDF document, but you can share them with your contacts immediately, or if you decide you can add them to a Word document and then convert them.
Day of the Dead stories for children
Here are ten children’s stories about the Day of the Dead, with a description of the tradition included in each story. The first five stories are short, while the last five are longer.
SHORT STORIES
The Merry Little Skull
In a small town, Cata the skull looked forward to the Day of the Dead. Every November 1 and 2, Cata danced among the cempasúchil flowers while children left offerings for their loved ones. Cata taught them that the Day of the Dead was not about being afraid, but about remembering those who were no longer with us, with joy and love.
Sol and Luna were two siblings who prepared the ofrenda for their grandmother every year. They put out her favorite food, candles, and pretty photos. One night, they saw how the monarch butterflies flew in, as if they were messengers from their grandmother’s spirit, reminding them that she would always be near.
Tomas’ Bread of the Dead
Tomás and his mother were baking a delicious bread of the dead for his grandfather’s offering. When they placed it on the altar, Tomás asked why it was so special. His mother explained that the bread represented the love and sweetness of the memories that his grandfather left them. Tomás smiled, understanding that each bite was like a caress from his grandfather from heaven.
The Traveling Butterflies
Every Day of the Dead, Alicia saw orange butterflies in the garden. Her grandmother had told her that these butterflies brought the spirits of the ancestors who returned to visit them. Alicia welcomed them with sweets and songs, feeling accompanied by all those who looked after her from beyond the grave.
The Dancing Skull
A skeleton with a colorful hat and dress, called Lola, came down to earth every Day of the Dead. She loved to dance between the altars, because people sang to her and placed beautiful flowers on her. Lola knew that, even though she was no longer alive, her memory would continue to bring joy to those who knew her.
Long stories
The Journey of the Calaveritas
In a magical town, the Calaveritas had a special mission: to help children prepare offerings for their loved ones. This year, Andrés, an eight-year-old boy, didn’t know how to make his first altar. Then, a Calaverita named Tito appeared to help him. Tito taught him how to put up his grandparents’ photos, light candles to guide their souls, and place his favorite dishes. As the night progressed, Tito explained to him that the Day of the Dead was a celebration full of love and that tears weren’t necessary, only the joy of remembering.
The Tree of Souls
At the top of a hill, there was a special tree called “The Tree of Souls.” Every year on the Day of the Dead, the souls of the ancestors would rest under its shade before visiting their families. Diego, a curious boy, decided to follow his grandfather to the tree. There, his grandfather showed him how the souls prepared for the festival. Diego learned that the souls returned because they were guided by the love of their families, and that they should not fear, but celebrate. Upon returning home, Diego decorated the altar with more joy than ever.
The Cat of the Altar
One night before the Day of the Dead, Luna, a girl who adored her lost cat, decided to make a small altar for him. She put his favorite dish, a photo, and a toy. The next day, when the offering was ready, a cat very similar to hers appeared at the window. Luna knew in her heart that her friend had returned for a while, guided by the scent of incense and cempasuchil flowers. Since then, Luna always prepares an offering to remember all the beings, big and small, who have passed through her life.
The Village of Orange Flowers
In the small town of Florinda, the streets were covered with cempasúchil petals every Day of the Dead. The inhabitants believed that the orange flowers illuminated the path of the spirits. A little girl named Flor visited her mother’s grave with her father, bringing the prettiest flowers. One night, Flor’s mother appeared in her dreams to thank her for the altar and remind her that she would always take care of her. Flor woke up with a smile, feeling her mother’s love closer than ever.
The Soul of Cempasúchil
On a distant hill, a field of golden marigolds grew. Each flower had a soul inside, waiting for the Day of the Dead to guide the spirits. A boy named Emiliano lived near the field and once asked his grandmother why the flowers were so important. His grandmother told him that the flowers were born from the memories and love of the living for their dead. On the night of the celebration, Emiliano saw how the petals shone under the moon, marking the path of return of his ancestors.
