(La Noticia Charlotte)

From Sunday, November 1-2, Latin American communities observed Day of the Dead, a celebration of the afterlife. 

Typically commemorated by colorful street parades, intimate group storytelling, and reflective gatherings in cemeteries, this year’s holiday adhered to social distancing guidelines. 

“This year it has been tough to really celebrate Día de los Muertos with so many people online and social distancing,” said Upper School Spanish teacher, Dr. Alex Jacky. “Normally, I take my classes to the Middle and Lower Schools, and we look at the altars that they make. Additionally, I give my students the option of placing the name of someone they’ve lost, even a pet, in the offering baskets on these LS and MS altars.”

Latin American communities worldwide honored the memory of loved ones at an ofrenda,an altar with objects related to whomever a family commemorates.

Pedro Mena, chair of our  Fine Arts department, said, “Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life throughout Latin America and the US. Through reflections and stories, it’s a time to remember those that have come before us. In classrooms, it can be an opportunity to have a space for students to talk about loss and see how the experience of loss can build empathy and unite humanity.”