Trinity College School’s department of languages & culture orchestrated a delightful celebration of Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, on November 2nd. This year’s event held a special place in our hearts as we shared the occasion with our guests from Instituto Pedagogico Arturo Ramirez Montufar (IPARM) in Colombia, who were part of a unique exchange program at TCS.
Día de los Muertos, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico, is a joyful occasion when the spirits of the departed return for a day to reunite with their loved ones. The roots of this festive holiday trace back to the fusion of the pre-Colombian Indian Cult of the Dead, and the 16th-century Spanish Catholic influences introduced to Mexico during the conquest.
Leading up to the event, students in the Level 3 Spanish class crafted a stunning display of altars (ofrendas) in Cirne Commons. These altars were available for viewing on November 1st and 2nd, with invaluable support from our IPARM friends. Moreover, the Level 3 class had the honour of enlightening our Grade 5 and Grade 6 students by presenting their final projects, thus introducing the younger members of our community to this rich Mexican tradition.
The dedicated staff of the Senior School library added a beautiful touch to our celebration by creating a “Tree of Life” in Cirne Commons. This symbolic tree served as a poignant space for students and staff to place heartfelt notes honouring their departed loved ones. Before composing these notes, participants were encouraged to reflect on the sights, sounds and scents that evoke cherished memories of the individuals they wished to remember.
During lunchtime, as the culinary services staff served chicken fajitas, students and staff were serenaded by the melodies of the Viva México Mariachi band. A familiar presence at our Day of the Dead celebrations, the band once again captivated the hearts of all in attendance. In the afternoon, the band’s lively performance in Cirne Commons had everyone on their feet, dancing to the vibrant music.
As night descended, our Spanish students had the privilege of watching the film Coco in the Davies Centre. The movie provided valuable insights into El Día de los Muertos and added a layer of cultural enrichment to the occasion.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the languages & culture department, our dedicated Spanish language students and our cherished guests from IPARM for crafting an engaging and culturally enriching experience for all. This celebration of Día de los Muertos will forever remain in our hearts as a testament to the unity and shared traditions that bind us together.
¡Feliz Día de Muertos!
- By Profesora María Cecilia Velásquez-Labrecque, languages & culture department
