This free Día de los Muertos banner printable is a colorful craft for kids to enjoy at home or in the classroom!
The printable includes 12 adorable banner designs across three pages, ready to color, cut out, and string together. It’s a great activity to enjoy on your own, or divide up the designs and make a banner together as a family or class.
I’ve loved learning more about Día de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away. I hope this craft can be a fun part of learning about this beautiful tradition.
This printable was inspired by papel picado, the decorative paper banners often seen during Día de los Muertos celebrations. Traditional papel picado is made by cutting intricate designs into colorful tissue paper. This version gives kids a chance to enjoy making their own banner using printable designs they can color.
What You’ll Need
- Free printable Día de los Muertos banner (3 pages)
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Thread, string, or twine
How to Make Your Día de los Muertos Banner Printable
1. Print your banner pages.
Download and print all three pages. You’ll have 12 individual banners to color!
2. Add some color!
I used colored pencils for mine, but crayons or markers would work great too. Have fun choosing bright colors and adding your own creative touches to each design.
3. Cut out the banners.
Carefully cut along the outlines of each banner piece.
4. Punch holes for hanging.
Use a hole punch to make holes near the top of each banner.
5. String them together.
Thread your string through the holes, arranging the banners in whatever order you like. Leave a little extra string on each end for hanging.
Now your colorful banner is ready to display!
A Fun Craft for Families and Classrooms
With 12 individual banner pieces to color, this printable is especially fun to make together!
For a classroom activity, give each child one or two banners to decorate, then string everyone’s artwork together into one colorful display.
Classroom tip: If you’re making this with a group of younger kids, consider cutting out the banner pieces ahead of time so they can jump right into coloring!
At home, siblings can divide up the designs, or one child can enjoy making the whole banner.
It’s a simple way to get creative together while learning about Día de los Muertos.
Learning About Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition celebrated primarily on November 1 and 2. It’s a time when families remember and honor loved ones who have died.
Colorful decorations, monarch butterflies, marigolds, decorated skulls called calaveras, and family ofrendas (altars with photographs and meaningful offerings) are some of the traditions associated with the holiday.
If you’re making this banner with children, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the meaning behind these traditions and the importance of remembering those we love.
To learn more about Día de los Muertos and the traditions behind this beautiful holiday, explore the Smithsonian’s Day of the Dead educational resources.
You might also enjoy making our free printable monarch butterfly craft while learning about the season.
Download Your Free Printable Día de los Muertos Banner
Ready to make your own?
Download the three-page printable, gather your coloring supplies, and have fun creating a colorful banner to display at home or in your classroom.
Happy creating!
Wild Cottonwood — Print, play, and create together.
