Last year I really wanted to have a Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration, but was entirely too disorganized to make it happen. This year, I'm planning early so that I have ample time to collect supplies and get prepared (for one thing, the sugar skull blanks will need to be made well in advance so that they have time to dry.)

Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday that coincides with All Saints' Day (November 1st) and All Souls' Day (November 2nd). In most regions of Mexico, November 1st, called Día de los Inocentes ("Day of the Innocents") or Día de los Angelitos ("Day of the Little Angels"), honors children and infants. Deceased adults are honored on November 2nd, called Día de los Muertos/Día de los Difuntos ("Day of the Dead"). Some good information about the holiday can be found here, and you can find all things Day of the Dead here (including a 31-page Teacher Packet and videos).

Below are some of my ideas for our celebration. More inspiration can be found at the Día de los Muertos group on Flickr and DIYLife's Day of the Dead Traditions and Projects is extremely thorough.

Books

• El Dia De Los Muertos: The Day of the Dead (Rookie Read-About Holidays) by Mary Dodson Wade
• Day of the Dead by Tony Johnston and Jeanette Winter
• Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book by Jeanette Winter
• The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story by Janice Levy
• Mexican Folk Art Coloring Book

Crafts

• Day of the Dead Crafts: A long, awesome list of crafts from AZCentral -- See also: Diary of a Crafty Chica; I'm thinking we'll try the Embossed Tin Prayer Candle and Calaca Sugar Masks 
• Day of the Dead Crafts: More than 24 Projects that Celebrate Dia de los Muertos by Kerry Arquette
• See also: Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines by Kathy Cano-Murillo (I've had this book for years and love it!)
• In addition to the links below, Silver Crow Creations is one of my favorite suppliers for Day of the Dead craft items.

Elements

• Easy Paper Flowers (Alternatively, you could order them here) -- Marigolds are the traditional Day of the Dead flower.
• Papel Picado Banners
• Calaveras
• Prayer Candles
• Party and Craft Supplies (Also, here)
• For the feast table: Mexican Serape Blankets or a Mexican Oil Cloth Tablecloth (Day of the Dead designs are available), Sugar Skulls, Pan de Muertos, etc.
• Day of the Dead Altar/Ofrenda (See also: Flickr Offrendas Group)

Food/Drink

• Cookbook: Frida's Fiestas: Recipes and Reminiscences of Life with Frida Kahlo by Marie-Pierre Colle (Includes a 'Day of the Dead' menu with recipes)
• Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) recipe
• Calabaza en Tacha recipe (Candied Pumpkin)
• Virgin Banana Margaritas
• Skull Cakes