Historic Downtown Campus Celebrates Día de Muertos with Culture, Creativity, and Community

Wednesday morning was filled with meaning and color as our Historic Downtown Campus came together to honor Día de Muertos, a tradition that commemorates loved ones who have passed. Led by Katie MacMillan, one of our beginning and middle school Spanish teachers, the celebration introduced both lower and middle school students to the cultural depth of this special holiday. Students learned about the ofrenda, a central altar adorned with photos and mementos to remember and honor those who are no longer with us. In each chapel, students had a chance to contribute and see these altars firsthand, creating a shared space of reflection and reverence.

The middle school ofrenda was a collaborative effort led by Spanish 6 students, who worked together to build this beautiful, symbolic space for the school community. This project was part of a broader exploration into Día de Muertos traditions, with both Spanish 6 and Spanish 8 students discovering the art of Alebrijes—brightly colored spirit animals central to Mexican folk art. Each student designed and crafted their own Alebrije, using bold colors and unique patterns to reflect their personalities. To deepen their connection to this art form, students took personality quizzes to discover which type of Alebrije best matched their character. These vibrant creations found a place on the community ofrenda, adding a joyful and personal touch.

Spanish 6 students also wrapped up the Día de Muertos unit by decorating sugar skulls, infusing them with bright colors and intricate designs. Some students created patterns in memory of loved ones, while others embraced designs that reflected their personalities, adding even more individuality to the celebration. The chapel space, adorned with these creations, provided a tangible expression of remembrance, culture, and creativity for the entire community.

This Día de Muertos event was a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, inviting students to explore the richness of Mexican heritage while expressing their creativity and honoring loved ones in meaningful ways.