Friday, November 4, 1 PM
For next week’s Watch & Wonder Highlight, we’re thrilled to feature the musical special Dia De Los Muertos. After watching, dive deeper with resources that explore the work of Ofelia Esparza, educator and life-long artist, who teaches the meaning and history of Día de los Muertos and the altars that commemorate loved ones who have passed away, on PBS LearningMedia.
Dia de los Muertos is a musical celebration of this much-anticipated and highly celebrated fiesta by people of Mexican heritage everywhere. Special guests include Latino rock greats, Los Lobos, the salsa-rap-reggae-funk of Ozomatli — both Los Angeles-based — and the all-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache from New York City.
PBS LearningMedia
Día de los Muertos: Tradition and Translation | Craft in America
Grades 9-12
The Día de los Muertos: Tradition and Translation media gallery explores the work of Ofelia Esparza. Esparza, educator and life-long artist, is an altarista, a master altar maker who teaches the meaning and history of Día de los Muertos and the altars that commemorate loved ones who have passed away. In the accompanying lesson, students will view Día de los Muertos observances in East Los Angeles and in Teotitlán del Valle, Mexico, and examine the artistic traditions and the translations within and between the celebrations. Students will look within their own communities and consider the varied ways that loved ones are memorialized.
In school or at home, take advantage of the Watch & Wonder broadcast schedule. Running each weekday from 1-3 PM, Watch & Wonder is great for classroom viewing, distance instruction, and families looking to spend some extra, quality time together. Featured programs are ideal for kids in grades 6-12, encouraging creativity with the arts, kick starting innovation through STEM, and expanding their horizons with stories from across the globe!
Each week, we’ll highlight a show from our Watch & Wonder block, and share a PBS LearningMedia resource — suitable for middle and high school students. Follow along on the Watch & Wonder Schedule page, or subscribe to our newsletter!