Day of the Dead Crossword Puzzle (Free Printable + Answer Key)

This Day of the Dead crossword puzzle is a meaningful fall classroom activity for 3rd–8th grade students, with clues covering Ofrenda, Marigold, Calavera, and Catrina. Free printable worksheet with answer key included.

Across

Paper banners cut with lacy designs
The act of remembering those who have died
Decorated skull, often made of sugar
Home altar built to honor loved ones
Country where the holiday is most widely celebrated

Down

Sweet bread made for the holiday
Orange flower said to guide spirits home
Family members from long ago who are honored
Lights placed on the altar to guide the way
Elegant skeleton lady in a fancy hat

About Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is celebrated on November 1 and 2, mainly in Mexico and by Mexican communities around the world. Families honor loved ones who have died by building home altars called ofrendas, decorating them with marigolds, photographs, candles, and favorite foods. It is a joyful celebration of memory, not a Mexican version of Halloween.

Day of the Dead Vocabulary

This crossword covers Day of the Dead traditions: the OFRENDA altar, bright MARIGOLD flowers, the CALAVERA sugar skull, PAPELPICADO banners, PANDEMUERTO bread, and the elegant CATRINA, all centered on REMEMBRANCE of ANCESTORS.

How to Use This Crossword in Class

Use this crossword to introduce the holiday, then talk about how it differs from Halloween. Students can make a small paper ofrenda for a family member, a pet, or a historical figure they admire.

Printable Day of the Dead Crossword Worksheet

Click the Print Worksheet button to print this day of the dead crossword. The printable version includes the grid and clues, perfect for classroom handouts or homework.

Copy and Customize This Crossword

Want to change the words, edit the clues, or adjust the appearance? Click Copy & Edit to save a copy of this puzzle to your account and open it in the crossword maker. From there you can add or remove words, rewrite any clue, choose a background color or pattern, and save your modified version with its own shareable link. Signing in or creating a free account is required to copy a puzzle.