3rd Grade Papel Picado

3rd graders learned about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).  Day of the Dead is a holiday that is celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died.  Papel Picado is an art form that goes along with Day of the Dead.  Papel Picado is a craft form of detailed paper cuts.  Traditional Papel Picado is made from tissue paper and small craft knives and scissors.  Common designs include skulls, flowers, birds, and detailed patterning.  Papel Picado can be found displayed in private homes, and even as public banners for street festivals and celebrations.  3rd graders used thin colored papers and scissors to create their own Papel Picado paper cuts.  Papers were folded, and then cut, to create symmetrical designs.