Day of the Dead
Of the many holidays and traditions we celebrate, Día de muertos ranks among my favorites! Throughout the Spanish-speaking world, this rich and festive holiday is celebrated over the course of 3 days, from October 31 st through November 2 nd . To honor our loved ones who have passed away, we prepare for the return of their souls or spirits to return to our world. Altars are decorated with pictures of the deceased, copal incense, candles to illuminate their path, along with offerings known as ofrendas.
Special items that the departed cherished in life, including foods and beverages, are also placed on the altar. Decorative calaveras (skulls), calacas (skeletons), papel picado (cut-out tissue paper) and cempazúchitl (marigold) flowers adorn the homes of families awaiting their loved ones. Come evening time, families laden with gifts, candles, and prayers for the dead visit the graves. Traditional dishes such as mole (a chocolate, hot peppers, spices, and tomatoes sauce) and tamales are shared. Children are given a special gift of calaveras de azúcar (sugar skull candy) and pan de muertos (bread of the dead) baked with a little surprise treat inside. The traditions we hold near and dear serve as a reminder and a comfort that we, too, will be remembered when our time comes.
Here at Harborlight, we have set up an “altar” for Día de muertos on the library stage. Behind the display, the bulletin board showcases student work and introductory information around the holiday while colorful fact sheets on the shelves provide learning resources for the children. At the main entrance to the school, a small display includes take-home recipes for traditional sweet treats typical for Día de muertos. Students from CH through Middle School are actively engaged in learning about the meaning and traditions of this holiday, which dates back over 3 millennia, with roots in the Inca, Aztec, and Maya civilizations. They are watching videos, examining authentic artifacts, and creating decorations like skulls, Mexican mirrors, skeletons, paper flowers, and papel picado. Celebrated from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, to Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia, this holiday represents our deep connection to our past. We understand who we are because we honor our ancestors and their legacies. Some children have shared their experiences with losing a pet or a grandparent, viewing Día de muertos as a celebration of life and a way to honor loved ones who have passed. A few students have even shared how their families create altars at home and celebrate this meaningful holiday. Connecting culture and tradition with learning is a key component of a strong Harborlight Montessori education.
Here are some activities to honor your ancestors and to celebrate Día de muertos:
1. Create a family altar somewhere special in your home. You can include your loved
one’s favorite food and trinkets, candles, flowers, and their picture.
2. Prepare a special dish together, maybe one of your loved one’s favorites.
3. Watch the animated movie, “The Book of Life” which centers on Día de Muertos
4. Watch the animated movie, “Coco”, a story about Día de Muertos
8. Day of the Dead - El Dia de los Muertos has many K-12 curriculum resources.
9. Attend Harvard Peabody Museum’s Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 1 st :
10. Visit Harvard Peabody Museum’s permanent Day of the Dead exhibit:
Among flowers we are received and among them we are bid goodbye.
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Harborlight Montessori is a non-profit, private, independent, school for students from Preschool through Grade 8.
Middle School, Elementary, Preschool, Afterschool, Summer Programs, Vacation Week Programs
Middle School, Elementary, Preschool, Afterschool, Summer Programs, Vacation Week Programs
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