Characterized by colorful skulls, marigolds, ornate altars and vibrant costumes, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that commemorates loved ones who have passed away. Día de los Inocentes de los Angelitos (Day of the Children and All Saints Day), occurs on Nov. 1 and is dedicated to children who have passed away. The next day, Día de los Difuntos (All Souls’ Day), honors adults.
The history of the holiday dates back around 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, where the Aztecs viewed death as an integral part of life. To honor the dead, Aztec family members provided them with sustenance and tools to aid them in their different journey to find enlightenment in the afterlife.
Ofrendas, or altars in Spanish, are a recognizable hallmark in modern celebrations of the holiday that act as a tribute for deceased loved ones. The altars often feature the deceased’s photographs, favorite foods, candles and intricate designs. At Harker, Spanish teacher Diana Moss collaborated with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to set up altars in Main Hall in honor of Día de los Muertos.
“On the altar we have a good number of teachers, including Mr. and Mrs. Nichols and a couple of our English teachers,” Moss said. “There’s a French teacher and a dance teacher. Anybody is invited to put somebody.”
In the classroom, Moss educates students about the holiday with videos and traditional activities. She also incorporated various traditional activities into the curriculum for her students. Students wrote a memoir to somebody who passed away and also tried a special bread called Pan de Muertos.
In past years, Moss celebrated the holiday by visiting the annual Día de los Muertos event organized by San Jose artist Chris Esparza, late husband of art teacher Pilar Agüero-Esparza. The event, called El Último Grito (The Last Cry), took place in downtown San Jose at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.
“My favorite part of Día de los Muertos is the color, the dance and celebration,” Moss said. “I love the beautiful dresses that people wear. It was a big celebration and Mr. Aguero Esparza just passed this summer. I’m remembering him because I went to that event several times.”
LatinX Affinity Group member Sofia Vasquez-Perez (11) and her family put up an altar consisting of 13 steps outside. They enjoy a family dinner and share share Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) and hot chocolate.
“We just talk and it’s as if our deceased relatives are there with us,” Sofia said. “We take that time to feel as though we’re together as a family again, as a whole, rather than just our individual time with them. On the top of our altar is always my grandma because she’s one of our closest deceased loved ones with our family.”
For LatinX Affinity Group member Natalie Warmdahl (10), Día de los Muertos is a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with her family.
“I think it’s so sweet that my community comes together to honor people who have passed away,” Natalie said. “My family just remembers and shares funny stories. We really appreciates the role they had in our lives. It’s a day to remember where I came from.”
Sofia admires the altars put up in Main and Harker recognizing the significance of the holiday for students.
“It’s nice seeing Día de los Muertos represented knowing that a lot of people aren’t necessarily interested in sharing that culture,” Sofia said. “I find it nice that Harker is taking action, especially taking it from a non-religious perspective.”