Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Coloring Page

Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, a celebration of loved ones who have passed away, originated in Mexico and is observed by many people in the United States. One of its most recognizable icons is the sugar skull or calavera: a skull made of pressed sugar and decorated with colorful icing.

Children whose families celebrate Día de los Muertos decorate—and eat!—miniature calaveras. As part of the celebration, they might also wear a Day of the Dead mask or makeup to look like sugar skulls, with bright flowers and patterns.

Unlike the skulls we see at Halloween, a Día de los Muertos sugar skull isn’t meant to be spooky. And the Day of the Dead isn’t morbid or frightening: It’s a time to remember loved ones with stories, songs, feasts, and community celebrations.

Check out the free printable coloring sugar skull coloring page below for a great Day of the Dead kids activity.