The past two weeks, Napoleon Middle and High School Spanish students have been learning about Día de los muertos, or Day of the Dead. This is a holiday celebrated throughout Latin America, but it is mostly associated with Mexico. Día de muertos is an ancient holiday centered on Aztec traditions. With the conquest of Mexico by the Spanish, certain aspects of the holiday changed. It is now used to remember family members, friends, and even pets who have died.
Families who celebrate Día de muertos put altares, or ofrendas, in their homes. These altares have photos of the people who have died, some of their favorite foods and drinks, flowers, candles, and many other items. Each item is significant to the family and to the deceased, as the belief is that the spirits of the deceased visit the families to bring the living good luck and protection in the year ahead.
While it is currently celebrated November 1-2, and there are plenty of skulls and skeletons associated with the holiday, this is not Mexican Halloween. Nor is the holiday overtly religious; rather, it's a time to remember and celebrate family and loved ones who have died.
Napoleon Spanish students made sugar skulls and calaveras (skull masks) to learn about the holiday. We also studied the history of the holiday and how the current celebration is much different than what it used to be.
¡Los piratas también son artísticos! (Pirates are artistic, too!)
