Dia de los Muertos, also known as The Day of the Dead, is a two-day celebration that honors the dead. The celebration begins on Nov. 1 at midnight and lasts until Nov 2. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated differently across Hispanic countries, but regardless of how it’s celebrated, it is not meant to be a sad occasion; the holiday is about honoring loved ones and keeping their memory alive.

In honor of Dia de los Muertos, Rommy Delgado, an ML teacher here at Tuscarora High School, is setting up a schoolwide ofrenda, an altar with offerings for loved ones that have passed, that anyone can contribute to. To contribute to the ofrenda, all that is needed to bring is a photo along with something that represents a loved ones. After doing so, participants must then go to the media center and ask either Mrs. Palmer or Mrs. Jorgensen to have the chosen items placed in the bin for the ofrenda. Alternatively, it is also possible to drop the items off directly to Delgado during the day in her room B220. As the week progresses, Delgado will be adding more to the ofrenda the more people contribute. 

To celebrate Dia de los Muertos, Tuscarora High School’s Spanish Club will be hosting a dance on Nov. 8 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open for anyone who wants to attend. The dance is only $5 to get in, however it is recommended to bring additional cash, as food trucks serving tacos, snowcones and various drinks will be there. 

Dia de los Muertos is a holiday for celebrating, not mourning. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated diversely depending on the country, but as Delgado explained, “Everybody has something to offer from their culture, and we can learn to appreciate different aspects about each other’s cultures.” In the upcoming week, make sure to make some time and come celebrate Dia de los Muertos with Tuscarora High School.