Día de Muertos Celebrations

Lower and Middle School students celebrated Día de los Muertos (also called Día de Muertos) this week. This holiday originated in Mexico and is traditionally celebrated November 1-2 to honor loved ones who have departed. The Day of the Dead is a joyful holiday, when it is believed that loved ones return to celebrate with their families and friends.

In the seventh grade, students learned about the origins of la Catrina and the reimagining of her by Diego Rivera, coming to really symbolize Día de Muertos. They then decorated a skeleton to make their own version of the Catrina dolls.

Eighth grade students learned about the different parts of the altar (also called the ofrenda) and which ofrendas (offerings) are placed to honor the deceased. They then created a mini poster board showing five things they value that their descendents would place on their family altar to honor them.

Lower School Spanish Teacher Kelola McCrary shared:

“In the Lower School, in their Spanish classes, each fifth grader selected and researched a Spanish-speaking country in Latin America, and used their discoveries to illustrate one piece of a giant mariposa monarca, or Monarch butterfly. This is one of the most significant symbols of the Día de Muertos holiday. In Mexico, it is widely believed that each butterfly carries the spirit of a departed loved one back to their families for a brief earthly visit during this time (arriving by the millions in early November). This stems from indigenous traditions, such as those of the Purépecha and the Mazahua, who have inhabited this area of (what is now known as) Mexico for centuries, and who have long tracked the butterfly migration patterns. The three butterfly kites, along with all of the projects made by students in grades Pre-K-4, are on display in the front Lower School lobby. Please stop by our Lower School ofrenda (altar) for a visit!”