“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die,” Thomas Campbell wrote. This sentiment is embodied each fall at Walsh Jesuit where there are vibrant celebrations of Dia de Los Muertos, and its colors, scents, and emotions come to life.

Dia de Los Muertos offers a combination of ancient customs and modern observances. According to The History Channel, its roots can be traced back to the Aztecs, who used skulls in their rituals to honor the departed. With the Spanish conquest in the 16^th century, this native ritual intertwined with Catholic practices, culminating in the celebration widely observed today.

The Day of the Dead (translated into English) is is traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality.

For junior Alex Ramon and his family, the Day of the Dead is a blend of remembrance and celebration. In their home, they set up an ofrenda, an altar, to honor their loved ones who have passed away. This isn’t just any altar, it’s a tribute that goes back four generations. It’s adorned with marigold flowers, symbolic cloths, and the favorite foods and drinks of their departed family members. The celebration also involves a special dinner where stories and memories are shared. As a time of connection, the evening ends with a collective prayer for their loved ones.

For Alex, this day holds a special place in his heart. “It’s one of my favorite holidays. This is just a really special time for us to look back at where we came from and to look  forward to our family’s future.”

Walsh Jesuit’s observance of this rich tradition has evolved considerably over time. Mrs. Marks-Pacetti, in collaboration with the Spanish and theology departments, transformed the modest All Souls’ Day commemoration into the flourishing Dia de Los Muertos celebration now familiar to the school community. Her dedication extends to growing her own marigolds, a gesture inspired by their aroma that, for her, captures the essence of the Day of the Dead.

The student body actively partakes in and appreciates this cultural inheritance as they walk past the ofrendas set up in the hall outside the school President’s office. Junior Gavin Gruber shared, “I learned about Dia de Los Muertos in my Spanish class. It’s a celebration of our deceased relatives lives, our memories, and like how cultural bonds hold us together.”

Senior Kimmy Dye adds to this saying, “Seeing how traditions come together and adapt through time is really cool and interesting. From the marigolds to the ofrendas, every element has a story behind it.”

Senior Maria Carocci, standing next to an ofrenda in the hall,  reflected, “Each picture here holds a memory, a unique story, and it’s like a celebration of life, affection, and family memories.”

Agreeing with Maria, junior Maria Enriqueta Welling expressed gratitude to Walsh Jesuit for upholding this tradition: “Witnessing my cultural legacy being celebrated at school is heartwarming and helps me to feel that my background is seen and valued.”

Through initiatives such as film screenings, like Disney’s Coco, and sharing traditional foods, Mrs. Pacetti has facilitated an immersion into the heart of this tradition for the student body.

The celebration of Dia de Los Muertos here shows the bond between past and present, community and individual. Maria Carocci beautifully summarized this feeling, stating, “Through these traditions, Walsh Jesuit kind of becomes an extension of our homes, connecting school memories and family memories. Our stories come together, and it shows that we are kind of a family here too.”

*This story was originally published on October 23, 2023.*