Published On: November 2nd, 2015By Leticia Fehling

Carver High School Students Celebrate ‘Day of the Dead’ With Art Projects

The ancient Mexican tradition is a way to remember the spirit of loved ones who have passed.

Carver HS has a tradition of celebrating Day of the Dead. The image from a few years ago captures students showing off their “calaveras” and “Catrinas.”

[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]T[/dropcap]he Day of the Dead originated in Mexico between 2,500 and 3,000 years ago. The event was once celebrated in the summer. With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores, the holiday blended European traditions. It also moved to coincide with the European All Souls’ Day.

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“Death in Spain” by Jasmine Lerdamornpong

Carver High School art students have a long tradition of celebrating the holiday. They recently created Catrinas. This is a female skeleton dressed in fine clothes. The image became popular after a zinc etching by José Guadalupe Posada in 1910. Posada was a Mexican printmaker, cartoon illustrator and lithographer. La Catrina is a beloved symbol of Día de los Muertos. The Carver students also created ofrendas and artworks.

The two-day event takes place Nov. 1 and 2. The first day centers on young children who have died. The second is a celebration of the lives of the adults who have passed.

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“La víbora muerta” by Jennifer Castillo

Skeletons and skulls are common symbols of Día de los Muertos. Families also create ofrendas at the gravesites and at home. Ofrendas are often decorated with sweet breads (Pan de muerto). Families also place sugar skulls, flowers, photos and other mementos. It is a happy occasion. Memories and stories help families stay connected with the people before them.

The Cycle of Life

In Mexico, death is not feared. The culture sees it as part of the cycle of life. The physical part dies and nourishes the Earth. But Mexicans believe that people live on through loved ones who remember them.

Dr. Michaelann Kelley has seen the holiday grow in popularity in the U.S. over the years. Kelley is the program director of fine arts in AISD.

“This isn’t Halloween,” said Kelley. “It is a way to remember the people that came before us. And people, including non-Hispanics, are liking the tradition and making it their own.”

The holiday is also celebrated in other Latin American countries.

Carver High School has also taken part in the [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Lawndale Art Center’s annual Day of the Dead student exhibit.