Colorful ofrendas adorned with flowers, candles, candy skulls, and pictures of passed loved ones have been placed in room 222 and the library this week in honor of Día de Los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. Though the two-day holiday is most widely observed in Mexico, it is also commonly celebrated in the U.S. and other Latin American countries.
Taking place annually on November 1st and November 2nd, the holiday dedicates the first day to the celebration of the lives of children and the second to the celebration of the lives of adults.
A special part of Día de los Muertos is the ofrenda: an altar made to remember and honor loved ones who have passed. Items placed on these altars include their picture, favorite foods, drinks, and objects that the person either valued or that are representative of them. Flowers called Cempasuchiles (marigolds) are added to attract spirits of the dead as well as velas, or candles, that show the spirits to which altar they should go.
For students like sophomore Andrea Mota, the Spanish Club’s efforts allow them to partake in and inform others about their culture in a time when they feel the presence of negative stigmas toward Mexican and Hispanic people. The time and effort it takes to prepare for and participate in Día De Los Muertos reflects that even though there is sadness in loss, we can allow ourselves to celebrate the joy in the memories of our loved ones.
“I normally have included pets and my grandpa [in ofrendas],” Mota said. “I do it because he’s always been there, and I wanted to keep his memory alive. It’s good to have them there to feel their warmth and love.”
There are many ways to celebrate the holiday, and Spanish club president and junior Dana Penner added a photo for the first time this year despite helping to create other parts of the ofrendas in the past. “This year I’m adding a picture of my great-grandmother to the Ofrenda. She was always so joyful and welcoming, and I am looking forward to sharing her memory,” Penner said. “[My favorite part is] hearing about people’s loved ones and sharing our favorite stories about them.”
Día de los Muertos holds a special place in the hearts of Pioneers. The event not only strengthens cultural appreciation but also fosters a sense of unity.
