World Language Students Celebrate Mexican Culture

In addition to Halloween festivities such as the Friday Spooktacular Parade and classroom parties, Upper School World Language students are collaborating to celebrate “El Dia de los Muertos” or Day of the Dead (November 1 & 2), days that celebrate and honor the memory of those who have passed on.

Students in Mrs. Maria García’s Spanish 2 classes have researched deceased Mexican artists and their artwork and have created all-natural paper-maché masks for each artist, with traditional Day of the Dead features. An informational display card, written in Spanish and English by the students, will accompany each mask and be on display in the Upper School throughout the next week.

Students in Dr. Romanita Marcano-Ogando’s AP Spanish and Spanish Honors classes will decorate an altar with symbolic flowers, cempazuchitles (marigolds), and foods associated with Day of the Dead, such as pan dulce (sweet bread), calaveras azucaradas (sugar skulls) and pan de muerto (bread of the dead)—all researched and baked by the students. The altar and recipes will also be on display bilingually. In addition, the Upper School Panther TVs will run a presentation about the day. 
Spanish 2 student Taylor Cruz ’17 (Rumson) said she’s learned a lot about Mexican artists and its culture from the project. “I have studied the Day of the Dead in art classes before, but not as part of a language class, which has given me a new perspective.”

Adds AP Spanish Student Kristen Guyler ’15 (Marlboro), “This is the first year that El Dia de los Muertos has been brought to the Ranney community. Participating in the event has shown us how the day is truly celebrated in Mexico.”

Overall, the students are enjoying the experience. “The collaborative project allows them to recycle grammar structures covered in class while learning about Mexican traditions and having fun,” says Mrs. García.