Last Wednesday, students and their families came together to celebrate Dia de los Muertos at Cashmere High School with art, music, and bright colors everywhere. According to History.com, Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican Holiday celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd to honor and remember deceased loved ones.
This event was about honoring loved ones while celebrating not only our Hispanic community, but also their life and culture.
Mr. Craig MacKenzie, principal at CHS, worked with the Migrant Program Parent Advisory Council, the NCW Regional Library (Cashmere Branch), the Parent Teacher Organizations, as well as others, to put together a celebration for all.
MacKenzie was asked what activities and displays were included in this event. His response was, “We had a variety of activities, including face painting, balloon decorating, making paper picador, decorating the amazing altar designed by Erika Pina, a member of our PAC leadership, and a staff member at CMS. CMS and CHS students earned community service hours supporting the event. We supplied pastries, including conchas and pan de muertos, and our leadership team made traditional Mexican hot chocolate.” According to the Kids National Geographic, some of the traditional activities done during Dia de los Muertos are creating altars, called ofrendas, with marigolds and sugar skulls, visiting and decorating gravesites with candles and food, and celebrating the lives of deceased loved ones through food, music, and storytelling.
MacKenzie was also asked how long they had been planning this event. He said, “[We’ve] been planning since early September. El Dia De Los Muertos means something a little different to everyone, but for me it’s an opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the lives of family members who have passed away that had a meaningful impact on our lives.”
Cashmere High School left the community with a night to remember.
