Honoring and appreciating those who come before us is an important and personal expression. On Sunday, Nov. 1 from 2 to 6 p.m., there will be a Day of the Dead cultural celebration remembering loved ones lost.
Students from Luisa Toste’s Art 1 and Leticia Villegas Spanish classes, as well as the Dreamers and MEChA clubs at San Benito High School will memorialize ancestors rooms 191 and 197. The display is open to the public.
This type of celebration began more than 3,000 years ago in the Aztec civilization and was blended with Catholic traditions of the Spanish conquistadores.
“This is a loving ritual full of joy and remembrance for those who have left the mortal world,” Toste said. Memories are displayed in altars through loved ones’ photos, mementos, favorite foods, drinks, flowers and music.
“Rich stories of cherished ones are passed on and death’s veil slips away allowing a glimpse of a life force vibrant still,” Toste said. “Bright, beautiful colors and humor represent a vibrant afterlife full of energy and spirit, whereas sad tears may send the spirit a slippery and treacherous path. Candles light their path, and monarch butterflies lead them towards home.”
Students have created masks and triptychs memorializing ancestors’ inspiration to honor those lost. Skulls will be made of sweet sugar which let living know their departed have found peace.
Papel picado paper cutouts represent the fragility of life. The Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada created the iconic image of the lady Catrina, a richly-dressed skeleton that Toste noted “symbolizes that we are all equal in leaving this world, and the good times never end when memories survive. Please join us as we gather to remember and honor during this time of reflection.
Toste encourges people to bring photos of their loved ones to be included in the display.
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