Feliz Día de los Muertos!

Día de Los Muertos, which translates to “Day of the Dead,” is a Mexican tradition to honor ancestors who have passed. The holiday is mostly celebrated November 1st and 2nd by creating a family ‘Ofrenda’ in homes or at cemeteries. Ancestors are honored by having their photo placed on the family ofrenda. An ofrenda is an alter that is covered with decorations like flowers, candles, ‘papel picado’, sugar skulls, and even food! Ancestors’ favorite foods, books, or instruments are placed on the ofrenda in their honor.  

While Day of the Dead is celebrated near Halloween, the traditions are not the same. Day of the Dead is a celebration for the dead. Towns will dress up in fun clothes and face paint to parade in the streets while singing, dancing, and giving offerings to the dead. Some will also mourn for loved ones who have passed during the holiday.  

Mrs. Connelly, one of our FHS Spanish teachers, shared how her family celebrates a common Mexican tradition of making an ofrenda. Mrs. Connelly’s grandmother passed away in August of 2021, which sparked her daughter’s idea of making an Ofrenda like the ones she’s seen in the movie Coco. Now, the Connellys have an annual ofrenda on their mantle to honor their relatives. Mrs. Connelly added, “It’s something we’ll keep doing for years and something she’s definitely going to keep doing on her own.”