Homeschooling is an adventure, and we love the flexibility it provides for our family. Some days are spent at home diving into workbooks, textbooks, experiments, and art projects. Other days, we’re on the go, shuttling the kids to acting, dance, art, or other enrichment classes. Sometimes, we just need a change of scenery, and being in Central Florida offers us amazing opportunities—like homeschooling at Disney or other theme parks! On this trip, we decided to Homeschool at Epcot, Mexico Pavilion, Plaza de los Amigos. The World Showcase at Epcot is an incredible resource for teaching and learning about art, culture, geography, architecture, textiles, history, folklore, cuisine, and special celebrations, all in a fun and immersive environment.
Art Lesson
The Mexico Pavilion offers a variety of art forms to explore, each showcasing the richness of Mexican culture. One highlight is the ceramic art, featuring animals crafted in traditional Mexican designs. Visitors can also learn about Papel Picado, the vibrant paper banners often used in holiday and celebration decor, as well as the art and history behind sugar skulls, an iconic symbol of the Day of the Dead. While not formally taught, the pavilion itself serves as a gallery, with artful displays throughout the space that beautifully reflect Mexico’s cultural heritage.
Mexican ceramic art sculptures are a vibrant expression of the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Rooted in pre-Hispanic techniques and designs, these sculptures often blend indigenous motifs with European influences, creating uniquely intricate pieces. Artisans craft a variety of forms, from whimsical figurines and religious icons to elaborate pottery and animal shapes, often painted in vivid colors or adorned with detailed patterns. Regions like Oaxaca, Puebla, and Michoacán are renowned for their distinct ceramic styles, such as the colorful Talavera pottery or the black clay (barro negro) sculptures of Oaxaca. These works not only serve as decorative art but also reflect the deep connection between Mexican culture, mythology, and everyday life.
Papel picado is a traditional Mexican folk art that involves cutting intricate designs into colorful sheets of tissue paper. The name translates to “perforated paper” or “punched paper,” reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship required to create these decorative banners. The designs often feature motifs such as flowers, birds, skeletons, and geometric patterns, which hold cultural and symbolic significance.
Papel picado is commonly used to adorn altars, streets, and homes during celebrations such as the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), Christmas, and weddings. Its vibrant colors and delicate patterns add a festive atmosphere, symbolizing joy, remembrance, and the connection between life and death. This art form reflects the creativity and cultural richness of Mexico, blending aesthetic beauty with deep cultural meaning.
Decorating sugar skulls is a cherished tradition in Mexican culture, especially during the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). These vibrant, handcrafted skulls are made from sugar and water, often molded into intricate shapes and adorned with colorful icing, foil, beads, and other decorations. Each sugar skull represents a departed soul and is placed on altars (ofrendas) or graves as an offering to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The playful and colorful designs reflect the Mexican perspective on death as a natural part of life, emphasizing remembrance, joy, and a connection to ancestors. Decorating sugar skulls is both a creative expression and a meaningful way to engage with the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.
History & Cultural Celebrations Lesson
The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a vibrant and deeply symbolic celebration in Mexican culture, honoring loved ones who have passed away. Observed from October 31 to November 2, this tradition blends pre-Hispanic indigenous beliefs with Catholic influences brought by Spanish colonization. Central to the celebration are altars (ofrendas), which are adorned with marigold flowers, candles, photographs, and offerings like food, drinks, and personal mementos to welcome the spirits of the departed. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, often spending the night sharing stories and celebrating the lives of their ancestors. Iconic elements like sugar skulls (calaveras), pan de muerto (a traditional sweet bread), and colorful papel picado (cut paper decorations) showcase the creativity and cultural richness of Mexico. Rather than mourning, the Day of the Dead reflects a joyful acknowledgment of life and death, emphasizing remembrance and the enduring connection between generations.
La Catrina is a prominent figure in Mexican culture, particularly associated with the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). She is a stylized, elegant skeleton, often depicted wearing a lavish, wide-brimmed hat adorned with flowers, feathers, and intricate details, dressed in a fancy dress, and painted with elaborate, colorful patterns on her skull. The image of La Catrina was popularized by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada in the early 20th century, through his satirical illustrations of a skeleton dressed in high-society attire, symbolizing the idea that death is inevitable for all, regardless of social status. Over time, La Catrina has become a symbol of both death and the celebration of life, embodying the joyful, playful, and colorful aspects of Día de los Muertos. Today, she is often seen in parades, festivals, and altars, representing the fusion of Mexican traditions, art, and humor around death.
In Mexico, you can experience a touch of Disney movie magic with a display dedicated to Coco, a beloved children’s movie inspired by the Day of the Dead. It’s a wonderful way to introduce your kids to the idea that movies can celebrate and be rooted in real cultures and traditions.
Textiles Lesson
Baja jackets, also known as “Baja hoodies” or “Mexican hoodies,” are popular in Mexico due to their practicality, cultural roots, and distinctive style. Made from woven fabric, often using a blend of cotton and recycled fibers, these jackets are lightweight yet warm, making them suitable for Mexico’s varied climates, especially in cooler highland regions. Their origins are deeply tied to Mexican artisan traditions, with their striped or patterned designs reflecting a blend of indigenous and modern aesthetics. Baja jackets are not only functional but also affordable, durable, and versatile, making them a popular choice for everyday wear. Their association with traditional craftsmanship and their comfort have also helped them gain broader appeal, symbolizing a connection to Mexican cultural identity.
Mexican hats, particularly sombreros, are iconic pieces of traditional Mexican attire, known for their wide brims and tall crowns. Originally designed to protect from the harsh sun, these hats have become a symbol of Mexican culture, often seen at festivals, parades, and during folkloric dances. Made from materials like straw, felt, or leather, sombreros can range from simple designs to more elaborate styles with embroidery and decorative elements. While all sombreros are Mexican hats, the term “Mexican hat” can also refer to various other traditional headwear worn in different regions of Mexico, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Architecture Lesson
Mexican architecture is a vibrant tapestry of styles that reflect the country’s rich history, cultural diversity, and artistic innovation. From the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán and the Mayan temples of Chichén Itzá to the grand colonial cathedrals and haciendas introduced by Spanish influence, each era has left its mark. Traditional adobe structures, with their earthy tones and thick walls, blend seamlessly with the landscape, while the baroque and neoclassical styles brought by the Spanish are characterized by intricate facades and ornate details. Modern Mexican architecture, pioneered by visionaries like Luis Barragán, embraces clean lines, bold colors, and a harmony with nature, integrating traditional elements with contemporary design. Public spaces are often adorned with murals and mosaics that celebrate Mexican culture, history, and identity, making architecture in Mexico not only functional but also a powerful medium of artistic and cultural expression.
Geography Lesson
Mexico’s geography is diverse and stunning, featuring a mix of mountains, deserts, coastal plains, and lush rainforests. The country is bordered by the United States to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south and west, the Gulf of Mexico to the east, and Belize and Guatemala to the southeast. Its central region is dominated by a high plateau, surrounded by mountain ranges such as the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental. Mexico also has vast coastal areas with beautiful beaches along both the Pacific and Gulf coasts, and tropical rainforests in the south. This varied landscape supports a rich diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, making Mexico one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world.
Every country at Epcot offers a wealth of opportunities for kids and adults to learn and explore. Even without actively seeking it, you’re immersed in a vibrant mix of cultures and experiences at every turn. If you’ve visited Epcot, which country is your favorite and why? Is there a specific country you’d like me to feature in a future blog post?