Spanish students learnt about the Mexican fiesta “el día de los muertos” and decorated the classroom with some of the customary symbols of this event, finishing with eating some food together on 2 November, the day that Mexicans celebrate the day of the dead.

The Day of the Dead  is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places throughout the world.  It is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures. 

In Mexico on 2 November and in the days before, there are parties, lots of costumes, markets for special breads and other foods, parades and all kinds of decorations in cemeteries and in towns, villages. schools and people’s houses. 

It is a hugely colourful celebration of life that has its origins in Aztec Mexico when they believed that people who had died were still part of life and they welcomed them back from the spirit world over these festival days. 

Later, after the arrival of the Spanish with their Catholic traditions, the time of the fiesta was moved to connect with the Catholic All Saints Day of 1 November. This means it is often called the “Mexican Halloween” but it has no connection to Halloween, apart from the time of year it is held.