Cultural Celebrations in the Spanish Classroom

The Autumn season brings two celebrations to the Spanish classroom: Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) and the Day of the Dead “Dia de los Muertos.”

During Hispanic Heritage Month, our students have the opportunity to celebrate the varied cultures, histories, and contributions of Americans of Spanish-speaking heritage. They enjoyed drawing the flags and finding facts about each Latin American country, making posters, sculptures and banners. They focused on some of the Hispanic people who have made a contribution to this country, highlighting and celebrating Latinx voices, sharing their accomplishments and interests with short essays. Click here to view photos and their research.

Dia de los Muertos is a holiday that is rooted in Aztec culture (now Central Mexico). When the Spaniards conquered the Aztecs, this celebration mixed with the Catholic Church celebration commemorating All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2. Indigenous Latin American traditions and symbols for honoring the dead have been fused with Catholic practices and belief in an afterlife. During the celebration, families clean the graves at cemeteries to welcome the spirits and bring food to share with the community. They also make an altar in their home, known as an “ofrenda”.

During their Spanish classes, the students made offerings to put on the altar, in memory of people, pets, or friends they wish to honor. Origami and sugar skulls, skeletons, paper strips and cutouts, marigolds, candles, and posters with drawings representing the celebration are all part of our altar this year. Such offerings have an association with the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. Click here to view our Dia de los Muertos altar.