The Spanish III classes built ofrendas, altars, in class on Monday and Tuesday, to celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1 and 2. 

“Day of the Dead is a traditional, Mexican holiday. It is celebrated in parts of Mexico as well as some parts of the US. It is the time to remember those who have passed on, but it’s meant to be a happy time, not a sad time. Many families spend a long time before hand preparing alters, which are, in Spanish, called ofrendas,” Leah Enright, Spanish teacher, said.

The altars are made with three levels that are composed of items enjoyed by the deceased person one is honoring. Also, traditional items that are added to the altar which can include: a picture of the deceased, Marigold flowers, which are known to lead the soul of the deceased to their altar, and soap and water, so the soul may cleanse itself, according to Enright.

Another item that is added to the altar is the sugar skulls, which are being made in the Spanish classes.

“We start in level I by teaching connections between your culture and other cultures and how to have respect for other cultures, so when they get to level III we get more in depth with Mexico, and we make much more cultural references,” Enright said. “Not only are they building an ofrenda to experience what it’s like there, they also have to write a biography on the person.”