written by Josephine McConnon, 7th Grade

Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead in English. A Mexican holiday, celebrating your loved ones who have passed. Reuniting with them one day a year on November 1st – 2nd. This magical and transforming holiday is celebrated worldwide. This year’s theme at Lake Tahoe School was the kites that Guatemala flies for Día de los Muertos. To fly in Spanish is volar. All the songs sung at each grade level were about flying. It was so magical, and the whole performance made me even more interested.

Great Grandmother Joanie is who I celebrated and made my ofrenda on. I formed a closer connection to her and my grandma who I talked to for this project. She loved a challenge just like me. She was very passionate in fashion and interior design like me. I believe many of my likes and traits came from her.

Bright colors, happy faces, and connection. We watched a film on Día de los Muertos. I saw all the parades and kindness going around. It makes me want to be even more involved in this truly beautiful and moving holiday. Día de los Muertos isn’t just about the loved ones that have passed and remembering them but so much more.

Day of the Dead is about forming closer connections with family. It’s about learning about these amazing ancestors that were in your family tree. It’s about creating artwork, cooking traditional food, dancing, celebrating, and reuniting with your family. Also, overall feeling closer to your loved ones, and instead of grieving losses and being sad – it’s about being grateful and celebrating what you have.