Students celebrated the annual Día de los Muertos event with a mariachi band, dancers, and traditional tamales at lunch on the Green on Monday.
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, represents a joyful reunion with and remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. The main celebration lasts two days and usually takes place on Nov. 1 and 2.
The festivities were organized by Cultural Leadership. “It’s an honorable mention to our loved ones who have passed away,” senior and Leadership student Alyssa Brew said.
Colorful ofrendas—altars dedicated to deceased relatives and friends—prepared by students in Spanish III classes were showcased on the Green.
The ofrendas included marigold flowers, skulls, candles, papel picado (paper cutouts), and photographs of friends and family members who have passed.
As classwork leading up to the holiday, students analyzed infographics, watched videos, and studied vocabulary related to Día de los Muertos. “We had two weeks of planning,” Spanish III teacher Evelyn Gil said.
The mariachi band, directed by Music Director Bill Flaherty, played upbeat songs accompanied by string and brass instruments, as well as student vocals.
The music was accompanied by two groups of folklorico dancers, who brought energy and smiles after investing weeks of practice into their performances. Some wore long white dresses embroidered with floral designs and adorned with colorful sashes around their waists. Others wore flowy, vibrant, traditional dresses.
Cultural Leadership ran a stand sharing free pan de muerto, a fluffy bread characteristic of Día de los Muertos celebrations. At another booth located next to PAWS, students could make their own paper marigold flowers for the occasion.
“I think [the event] was very important because it shows a lot of culture at our school,” Brew said.
