The Trinity College School community embraced the traditions of El día de los muertos – the Day of the Dead – on November 1st. Day of the Dead is celebrated in some Latin American countries on November 1st and 2nd, as a happy time when the souls of the departed return for one day to visit with loved ones. The origins of this joyous holiday lie in roots in the intertwining of the pre-Colombian Indian Cult of the Dead and 16th century Spanish Catholic influences brought to Mexico at the time of the conquest.
The Level 3 Spanish students created altars, or ofrenda, which were on display in Cirne Commons for students and staff to view. The altars, which honoured the lives of past members of the school community, were colourfully decorated with sugar skulls (calaveras), paper banners (papel picado) and more.
During lunch in Osler Hall, the culinary services team created a meal of Hispanic cuisine, including Cuban sandwiches and paella. Junior and Senior School students and staff were thrilled to enjoy a performance of a dancer and Mariachi band, “Viva Mexico Mariachi,” with many students clapping along with the music and even joining in the dancing.
All six of the Senior School’s Spanish language classes had a workshop with the Mariachi band during afternoon flex block in Cirne Commons, but everyone was welcome to join the session to learn more about Mariachi, Latin American culture and the traditions of Day of the Dead. It was a wonderful community celebration.
¡Feliz Día de Muertos!
- By Profesora Maria Cecilia Velasquez-Labrecque, languages & culture department
