Every year at the start of November, people across Latin America and the US celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” in English. This holiday originated in Mexico and involves celebrating family members and loved ones who have passed. Today at Convent, high school students attended a chapel in honor of Dia de los Muertos in which they were invited to share memories of loved ones who have passed.

“In my opinion it’s great that Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in our community,” senior Elan Elias said. “I think it’s a good chance for people to be vulnerable in a safe space,”

Prior to the chapel, traditional decorations were put up including sugar skulls, marigolds, and an altar. Typically, the altar is decorated with family photos, candles, food, flowers, and more. These items help create a welcoming space for loved ones who have passed to return home.

“I love how everyone is encouraged to speak about their loved ones who have passed,” sophomore Beatrice Yung said. “I think it’s interesting how we as humans can all connect through feelings of grief and help each other navigate that.”

During the chapel, students were invited to come up and share any fond memories of loved ones who have passed. Students were also given the option to go up and place a marigold on the altar in honor of those who are no longer with us. This particular segment of the chapel was quite emotional and left many students teary-eyed.

“What I love about the Dia de los Muertos chapel is the invitation for the community to share feelings of loss together” head of Convent High School Rachel Simpson said. “I love how ultimately we all come together and embrace a greater sentiment of love at the end of the chapel.”

Members of the student council led students in prayer and encouraged them to hold in their hearts the names of loved ones who have passed. Additionally, the chapel included multiple moments of silence allowing students to collectively enjoy a peaceful moment together.

The Dia de los Muertos chapel serves as an opportunity for students to share each other’s cultures and participate in holidays that they may not normally celebrate. Furthermore, it serves as an important moment in which the school community can come together and be vulnerable in a safe environment together.

“I think that the Dia de los Muertos chapel is a great way to share culture in a way that is inclusive and meaningful,” Elias said. “I think we as a school are so lucky to be able to share such a precious moment together.”