The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrating a natural part of the human cycle: death. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray, honor, and recognize those who have died by helping strengthen their spiritual journey. In Mexican culture, Mexican individuals see it not as a day of grief but as a day of commemoration since their loved ones are being celebrated. Rather than the denial and fear of death, this event teaches us to accept and consider the significance of mortality.

At Bishop’s, almost all of the Spanish classes are taking part in the preparation of this celebration that ranges through the week of October 28. By arranging multiple altars (or ofrendas, “offerings”), the student and faculty body of Bishop’s can remember the passing of previous faculties, participate in hands-on activities, and exercise the act of remembrance. 

So, what can you expect to see in this celebration? During this holiday, there will be displays of hand-made Papel Picado, decorative tissue paper designs that represent the fragility of life. To teach their audience about the heritage and meaning of Dia de los Muertos, students of certain classes will be presenting their bilingual posters. Additionally, advanced Spanish students will write bilingual homages to their deceased family members and friends. This year, middle school Spanish courses will also be showcasing their carefully-made sugar skulls in support of this holiday. 

“It’s a really meaningful celebration,” Sra. Torres explained. “It’s a marvelous way to remember our loved ones.” The upcoming celebration of Dia de los Muertos exhibits significant amounts of organization from both the teachers and the eager students of the Spanish department. ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos!