In Savannah, Georgia, students at Carrie E. Gould Elementary School are delving into the cultural significance of Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, through their dual language classes. This unique learning opportunity allows young students to explore the tradition while also honoring the memories of their deceased loved ones.

Dia de Los Muertos is a vibrant multi-day celebration starting on November 1st, rooted in a Catholic tradition that pays homage to the lives of those who have passed away. This holiday is not merely a time to mourn but a joyous occasion filled with remembrance and celebration.

Katherine Bautista-Gomez, a teacher specializing in Dual Language Immersion at the school, emphasizes the positive aspects of the holiday. “While it can initially be seen as somber, we focus on teaching it as a joyful celebration,” Bautista-Gomez explained. “We shared videos that depict how people celebrate, including one where a pet dog passes away. Though it brought tears, students learned that Dia de Los Muertos is ultimately about cherishing our happiest memories with those we’ve lost.”

Kindergarten and first-grade students have been immersed in learning about this culturally rich holiday over the past two weeks, gaining a deeper understanding of its significance and the joy it brings to those who participate in the tradition.

Kindergarten and first graders who are enrolled in dual language classes have been learning about Dia de Los Muertos for the past two weeks.

Students in the classroom helped set up an offering inside the classroom by displaying flowers, bread, fruit and photos of their own loved ones who have passed.

“We’ve been working on creating marigolds with coffee filters,” Bautista-Gomez said. “We have been working on making monarch butterflies, which migrate to Mexico in Durant during Day of the Dead.”

Bautista-Gomez said her favorite part about teaching this lesson is the students being so involved.

“We can combine Halloween and Day of the Dead and just have a happy celebration, Bautista-Gomez said. “I think the arts and crafts; I’ve had so much fun creating the marigolds with them. So much fun creating the butterflies with them.  It’s just fun to see their locked their eyes like bright up, you know. “

Gould Elementary has taught Dia de Los Muertos in the past, but they are hoping the program continues to grow.