On Tuesday, October 31st, Irvington MEChA impressed Irvington students with their annual, vibrant, Day of The Dead (Día de Los Muertos) celebration. The cafeteria was alive with colorful altars and a traditional folklorico dance performance. 

At 7:30, the morning of the event, Mr. Ballado’s Spanish 4 students arrived to decorate their ofrendas, or altars, with vivid, orange marigolds and dimly lit candles or glimmering fairy lights. The bright color and alluring scent of the flowers with the illuminating lights are believed to guide the souls of an individual’s deceased loved ones to the altars created by their families. Items such as water, fresh fruit, and pan de muertos (Day of the Dead Bread) are placed on these structures as offerings and nourishment for returning ancestors, as well. 

An attendee of the event, Ayush Pareek (10), describes, “It was very interesting to see all the different things that [students] used to decorate the altars.” He elaborates, “Compared to last year, I noticed an increase in color and it looks very lively. I can tell, the event had a lot of planning.”

The event began with a cultural presentation about the history of Dia de los Muertos presented by the two co-organizers of the event, Jonathan Ruiz (11) and Edward Lugo (10). A Kahoot, based on the presentation content, and two stunning folklorico performances followed. Folklorico, a traditional dance originating from the indigenous people of Mexico, features women wearing long, sweeping skirts of numerous, bright colors and their counterparts in, typically entirely black, charro, or Mexican suits. 

After the presentation and performances, students and teachers could observe and vote on the student-created altars, partake in marigold making, or even get their faces painted. 

Co-organizer of the event, Jonathan Ruiz (11) hopes that people can learn more about Mexican culture. 

“It’s not just a holiday near Halloween, but its own, separate event that should be celebrated,” he said. 

Co-organizer Edward Lugo (10), emphasizes the difficult, yet rewarding planning process. “At the start, we were kind of unprepared. But, when we started coming together as a group, it began to work out and now, I feel that the event turned out the best it could be.” 

Simra Fatima (10), another attendee shared, “I can tell that there were people who put a lot of effort into [the event] which is really shown through all these beautiful altars and the dresses and the face paint of [the dance groups], as well.”

“The whole idea of Day of the Dead is about remembering the loved ones who were part of your life and honoring them, and I think everybody can relate to that. That’s what makes it unique because it’s something that everyone can do,” explains MEChA advisor Mr. Ballado.

With the success of the Day of the Dead Celebration, Irvington students are eagerly looking forward to Ritmo, the annual Hispanic dance event hosted by MEChA in January.