Spanish Nativos III Spotlight: Día de los Muertos and the Ofrenda Tradition

This year, with the guidance of Gabriela Leon, Nativos III students are making an ofrenda. Tis process is more than just putting pictures and food on a stack of tables—it has been a well researched and emotional endeavor. During the past few weeks, Nativos III Spanish students have been learning about the history and customs of Día de los Muertos, modeled and painted traditional ofrenda items with clay, and written Calaveritas Literarias (a traditional poem about death) for loved ones who have passed. This process has been emotional for some, but in the hopeful spirit of Día de los Muertos, it has mostly remained lighthearted if bittersweet.

Día de los Muertos is a holiday traditionally celebrated from November 1st to November 2nd. The holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember loved ones who have passed. These celebrations are not meant to make you sad or regretful, they are meant to be a celebration! Día de los Muertos usually takes a humorous or joyful tone, as celebrants remember amusing events and anecdotes about the departed. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it primarily developed, but it is also celebrated in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage.

The ofrenda is a special part of this celebration. Ofrendas, which can be quite large and elaborate, are created by the family members of a person who has died and are intended to welcome the deceased to the altar setting. They are decorated in different ways depending on the country, but are always full of colors and homeliness that is almost indescribable.

The ofrenda of Classroom 63 is rich with understanding, creativity, culture, and love. Each student has offered a small piece of themselves to this vibrant and colorful history.