Spanish Club Illustrates Significance of 'Day of the Dead'

Members of Summit High School's Spanish Club explained the traditions behind the Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated in Mexico and in other Spanish-speaking cultures Friday. 

Students from the high school's history and Spanish classes had an opportunity to learn more about the celebration through a presentation, delivered in both Spanish and English, as well as by viewing a video and replicas of altars that are representative of what would be found in homes where the holiday is observed. 

Spanish club members explained that while many think because the holiday falls on the day after Halloween it is meant to be scary, but really the opposite is true.

Anne Mikkelsen and Hannah Feeney said the holiday is actually similar to Memorial Day in the United States as it is a chance to celebrate and honor the lives of departed loved ones. 

Spanish club member Emily Drake joked that her previous knowledge of the day came from the 'Scooby Doo' episode in which El Chupacabra, a Bigfoot-style monster, spoils Day of the Dead celebrations. Draked added that the school is fortunate to have teachers from other cultures who have been able to impart their rich traditions with students. 

"It is interesting to see how other cultures deal with death," Drake said. 

As part of the Day of the Dead, club members explained that families might travel to the gravesite of a loved one to clean the grave and share stories about that person. Altars in the home often contain favorite foods or items that the deceased once enjoyed. Candles and incense serve as a guide to lead the dead back to the altar.

Mimi Feteiha said she was glad her teachers inspired her to join the Spanish Club.

"It's been a lot of fun," Feteiha said. 

Several Spanish club members had their faces painted to resemble the masks worn by revelers. 

To learn more about the day, view the video above.