Dia De Los Muertos

Photo courtesy of The Republic

Dia de los Muertos is an annual holiday which originated in pre-Hispanic Mexico. It's a day of honoring those we lost and keeping them in our memories and is celebrated in many Latino communities. This year, Dia de los Muertos began October 28 and ended November 2. Each day celebrates different dead people based on the way they died. During Dia de los Muertos, people put up altars and shrines of the loved ones (pets included) who they've lost. These shrines include colorful decorations, marigolds, candles, food, and pictures of the deceased. It's a very important part of culture to many people who celebrate it.

In New Rochelle and the New Rochelle High School community there are many Hispanic people who would likely celebrate the holiday. According to the New York State Department of Education, in the 2022-2023 school year, there was a 52% Hispanic population in New Rochelle High School, which amounts to 1,598 students. 

Dia de Los Muertos is a very important celebration for some people because it defines their culture and connects them to their roots. As a reminder of where they came from. Dia de Los Muertos isn't only for people who have Hispanic roots, but for anyone who wants to honor and celebrate the people or even pet friends in their lives whom they've lost. Dia de los Muertos can bring people of all communities and roots together because everyone grieves and mourns losses and with this holiday people can find a way to honor those people they grieve.