CHS Latino Culture Club: Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, “The Day of the Dead,” is a two day Mexican holiday celebrated in Mexico that reunites the living and the dead. November 1st is the day dedicated to celebrate infants and children who have died and November 2nd is the day dedicated to honor adults. While the culture in the U.S. shies away from discussions of death, Mexicans tend to embrace death. The Day of the Dead is an opportunity to celebrate the life of family members, friends, and loved ones.

November 1st is known as Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the little Angels). Dia de los Angelitos starts the holiday at midnight on November 1st, where the spirits of all deceased children are believed to be reunited with their families for 24 hours. Families construct an altar, known as an ofrenda, with the departed child’s favorite snacks, candies, toys, and photographs to encourage a visit from their departed children.

November 2nd is known as Dia de los Difuntos. At midnight of the following day (November 2nd), the celebrations shift to honor the lives of the departed adults. The night is filled with laughter and fun memories, much like the night celebrated for the children. However, the ofrendas take on a more adult-like theme with pan de muerto, mezcal, pulque and jars of Atole. Families often play games together, reminisce about their loved ones, and dance.

In celebration of Día de los Muertos, Covina High School’s Latino Culture Club invited all of their members and people of the community to participate in some festivities and D.I.Y arts and crafts. The Latino Culture Club gave many opportunities for their members and community to take part in this special holiday which included creating a shoebox altar, paper marigolds, papel picados, a sugar skull drawing, homemade pan de muerto, and a sugar skull makeup look. There were a variety of submissions and the Latino Culture Club would like to thank those who took part in this holiday.