My students love Halloween and dressing up as their favorite characters. Unfortunately, my school does not allow costumes and instead organizes a Pep Rally to celebrate Homecoming when we dressed according to different daily themes.
My school is located in Miami, where the Mexican and Mexican-American community is prominent. Parents of Mexican origin or culture created a beautiful and colorful altar in the school chapel—a symbol of cultural and religious syncretism honoring those who have passed, in the tradition of Día de los Muertos. This tradition started small and has grown in both size and significance. It was mentioned during chapel, providing a meaningful teachable moment for me. Here are some pics from my school.
I took my students to visit the altar and light a candle to honor the memory of someone who has passed away. I also used Bennett Sherry 's articles Exploring Syncretism through Dia de los Muertos and Syncretism but exploring the new website's layout I came across this one: Religious Syncretism in Colonial Mexico's city.
Is Día de los Muertos celebrated or recognized in your school? Does your school celebrate Halloween, and if so, is it taught or discussed in class?
