Dia de los Muertos’ altars make annual appearance

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Zugeith Soto-Hernandez

Located in the library, Vicente Fernandez’s altar is decorated by the Spanish National Honor Society

Zugeith Soto-Hernandez, Reporter

The candles ignited on Nov. 2, for Dia de los Muertos. Pictures were placed in memory of those who are gone. The bread is arranged while cups of hot coffee are served. 

El Día de los Muertos has its history.

“The origin comes from the Aztecs, it was a belief they had where the gods would allow the souls of those who have left to come back on a specific day, Nov. 2,” Spanish National Honor Society sponsor Magdalena Sigala said. 

Although it is most commonly celebrated Nov. 2, the festivities start way before. 

“The official day of el Dia de los Muertos is Nov. 2, but it starts Oct. 27 in order to celebrate the lives of pets, babies and people who died in accidents,” Parliamentarian of the Spanish National Honor Society Dana Murillo said.

Various traditions and celebrations are a part of el Dia de los Muertos.

“Cemeteries are visited, altars are prepared and food is presented,” Spanish National Honor Society President Suset Murillo said. 

Organizations throughout the school participated in festivities and made altars. 

“Spanish, art and small ones located by the theater are some,” Sigala said. 

Altars include elements created specifically for the person the altar is designed for.

“(Altars include) Pan de muerto, water, candles, flowers, pictures, decorated paper, candy,” Suset Murillo said.

Altars were placed throughout the school. 

“They put the altar on the tables at the library,” Dana Murillo said.

Celebrating those who have passed is specific to the festivity of el Dia de los Muertos.

“The Spanish (National Honor Society) altar was presented at the library and it was in honor of Vicente Fernandez who was a famous Mexican singer and died recently,” Sigala said.