United South High School Hosts Spectacular Day of the Dead Celebration

Posted Date: 11/03/2023

Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican celebration that has gained more recognition in the United States over the last few years. Several schools at United ISD have taken the opportunity to educate their students about the importance of this cultural tradition. Every year United South High School celebrates the departed in their Spanish classes, but this year they extended their festivity to include all their campus. Foreign Language Department Chair Julissa Garza, along with all the Spanish and Art classes collaborated for weeks to create the spectacular altar full of offerings for those no longer with us. 

“We love to indulge in our culture. By bringing Dia de los Muertos to our campus, we are able to bring home some of those traditions that sometimes get lost in translation. Our students made an altar of 7 steps and learned that each has its own element and meaning,” said Garza. 

The students also recreated the famous Craneo Arte exhibit in Mexico City using sugar skull piñatas. The USHS Mariachi Band performed along with Tengo Mucho Talento reality show finalist, Camila Lopez. The Heritage Club and ballet folklorico dancers also performed for students and staff throughout the day. The celebration concluded with a lunch fiesta for the students and staff featuring delicious Mexican dishes. 

The USHS Foreign Language Departments hopes to make this grand celebration an annual tradition.