Yvonne Alvarez-Cortes, Spanish teacher at UHS, celebrates Day of the Dead, despite the fact that her parents did not do much for the holiday. She learned the customs from traveling to Mexico and teaching her students about the holiday.
This celebration means to honor and remember those who passed away. “I do it for my mom, to honor her,” says Alvarez-Cortes.
She puts up an altar for her family members which includes salt for hunger, water for thirst, and pan de muerto. Pictures and candles represent each member of the family. Items that each family member valued are also placed onto the altar. A flower named Espásichil is placed to guide the spirit home.
Traditional Altar (photo credit: vmiremontes)
The Day of the Dead represents the importance of those who passed away, but reminds those who celebrate it to remember the living as well.
The Day of the Dead is celebrated at midnight on October 31 through November 2.
