Students and parents entering Duffield Hall for the annual Día de los Muertos celebration were greeted by happy skeletons playing ping pong, rock climbing the gym walls and one flying a kite suspended from the rafters. Colorful papel picados spanned the walls and a vibrant community ofrenda served as the centerpiece for the performances that were about to begin. Grades 3 through 5 performed various Day of the Dead themed songs which included happy kids in costumes, ukulele playing, and lots of movement. 6th and 8th grades choreographed dance routines to accompany the popular hits Nuestra Canción and Bamboleo. 7th grade continued the tradition of the young ofrenda project where each student honored a family member by creating an ofrenda that highlighted what made that person special. The class display, which includes 29 mini ofrendas combined as 1, is on display at the Nevada State Museum through Saturday.
For middle school Spanish teacher Eric Harssema, “Day of the Dead is simple. It’s a time of year to remember and think about family and friends who are no longer with us. Admittedly, this can be sad at times. But what I love about Day of the Dead is that sadness is balanced with the joy and happiness that is experienced through the traditions of the holiday which include bouquets of marigolds, hanging papel picados, yummy pan de muerto, playful skeletons, lively mariachi, and the beauty of the ofrenda. Day of the Dead also reminds us that life is precious and to live every moment to the fullest. A popular Day of the Dead quote reads, ‘We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time.’ Thanks to all for making Day of the Dead a special time of year at LTS. Hasta el proximo año.”
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