UISD's Johnson High School Highlights Hispanic Tradition with Day of the Dead Altar

Posted Date: 11/11/2024

The Day of the Dead altar and celebration has become a yearly November tradition at UISD's Johnson High School.  The enormous and colorful altar is located in the school's cafeteria where students and teachers can enjoy its beauty and significance.  

The project is a collaboration of all the Spanish teachers at the school and their students.  The huge Dia de Los Muertos altar is made up of many smaller altars created by the teachers and students to honor and remember deceased loved ones.  

Spanish teacher Gabriella Montante says the beauty is found in the traditions.

"As you can see, there are flores de cempasúchil (flowers of the dead), there are candles, photos of loved ones, and it's a beautiful tradition because the students learn about their family, ancestors, our culture and traditions."

Johnson has nine Spanish teachers that help to bring this tradition to life, and each class celebrates it in their own unique way.

"My class did calaveras, which are also a big part of Dia de Los Muertos. We want the students to know about this tradition, that it's actually a celebration of life and what that person loved when they were living, the food that they would eat, what they would drink, what they did as a profession," added Montante.

The teacher stresses that they don't want the students to confuse the Mexican holiday with Halloween because they are very distinct. The project is a perfect collaboration between classes such as art, Spanish and history. 

"We're very proud of our altar, and we hope it continues to be a yearly event because we all enjoy it, and it's a lovely tradition here at LBJ," said Montante.

###

Photo: LB Johnson Assistant Principal Maria Solis poses with LBJ staff