Dia de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated within Mexican culture in all areas of the world. Also known as Day of the Dead, the translation of Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout the months of Oct. and early Nov. to honor and celebrate one’s lost loved ones.
Although Day of the Dead started in Mexico, it is still culturally recognized in America. Students at Tracy High School commemorate those who passed in different ways on Nov. 1. Teachers, students and club members at Tracy High share their unique traditions.
In Mexican culture it is believed that on Nov. 1, the souls of loved ones that have passed away return from the dead to visit their families. It’s tradition to set up ofrendas in their homes, a shrine and dedication to family members, pets, and celebrities to let the deceased know they’re in remembrance.
Dia de los Muertos originated in Central Mexico and originally catered to Aztec rituals for the dead. In those rituals people would make offerings to the dead. The extent and way the holiday is celebrated varies throughout areas of Mexico and on everyone’s own personal practices.
Kaylee Carillo, a senior student at Tracy High School explained the way her family celebrated Day of the Dead.
“We go to the cemetery, going to my uncle’s grave and leave Marigolds at his gravestone,” Carillo said. “We spend time with his family, especially his kids. Even though I am half Cuban I don’t really celebrate it on that side of my family, but for my Mexican side, that’s what I do.”
Mrs. Fonseca, Spanish teacher and club adviser for Latinos Unidos and Dance Troupe, gave insight on how she celebrates the special day in her classes.
“They decorate a skeleton, a la Catrina, and pick a celebrity who has passed, and they decorate them and color them in and make them all fancy,” Fonseca explained.
The Folklorico dance troupe also gives their respects as a group for Dia de los Muertos. With their faces decorated as skulls, they perform multiple routines for students at Tracy High with traditional Latin dances.
Dance Troupe’s captain, Blanca Magaña, commented on the team’s benefit to the Hispanic community at Tracy High through their celebrations.
“This contributes to our community at school, so people can see how beautiful our culture is and remember those who passed and keep them in remembrance,” Magaña shared.
Dia de los Muertos is a sacred holiday held close to the hearts of Mexicans around the world.
