The traditional Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), was celebrated with an elaborate altar called an Ofrenda displayed in the school library.
The display, organized by Spanish teacher Miriam Cardenas, was available for viewing the week leading up to the official celebration date of Nov. 2. The purpose of the altar is to “celebrate life” and uphold an important “tradition,” according to Cardenas.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a significant holiday celebrated across Mexico and other parts of the world, where families gather to honor and remember their deceased loved ones.
The altars, often decorated with colorful papel picado (paper flags), candles, marigold flowers, and photos of the deceased, are a way to symbolically welcome spirits back to the world of the living. Students incorporated traditional elements into the display, including symbolic foods and items that the departed enjoyed in life. Cardenas also said that “students felt more this celebration due to the movie Coco.”
The project not only serves as a cultural celebration but also as an educational opportunity for the community to learn about the rich history and meaning behind the tradition.
Offering all students a chance to reflect on the cultural importance of remembering ancestors and accepting death as a natural part of the life cycle.
