El Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional celebration in Mexico and many Latin American countries. It is celebrated over three days from October 31 (Day of Preparations) to November 2nd to honor and celebrate family members who have died. It is believed that on November 1st (All Saints Day) and November 2nd (All Souls Day), the dead relatives return to Earth to visit their family and share this family holiday. This project is part of a cultural unit within the Spanish curriculum at The Franklin Academy; the students learn about this holiday that is also celebrated by the many Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. The students make the famous “calacas” (skeletons) that symbolize death and are such an intrinsic part of this holiday. Currently, Grades 3-5 and 7th graders made calacas that are displayed on the second and third floors of Markell Hall.
