To Those Who Have Gone Before: Celebrating Día de Muertos at Eaglebrook School
At Eaglebrook, honoring our students’ cultural traditions is a foundational piece of our shared community.
Educating students about beliefs and practices they may not have encountered before broadens their worldview, which they carry with them as they mature into global citizens. As we cultivate an environment where all cultures and backgrounds are valued and appreciated, we foster students who are curious, open-minded, and respectful.
This year, with support from faculty and staff, the Mexican Affinity Group (Los Caballeros) shared a significant Día de Muertos tradition with the Eaglebrook community by creating a beautiful ofrenda, placed near the entrance of the Gibbs Dining Hall. An ofrenda, or decorated altar, is a traditional Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) practice to honor one's deceased loved ones. The ofrenda typically includes photos, candles, and offerings of family members’ favorite foods. Eaglebrook students and staff alike were welcome to leave pictures of their loved ones upon the ofrenda, as well as traditional decorations. These decorations included papel picado, which features intricate designs cut into colorful paper; calaveras, or sugar or chocolate skulls; cempasúchil, the vibrant marigold; and Pan de Muerto, a special sweet bread made specifically for this celebration.
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This year, with support from faculty and staff, the Mexican Affinity Group (Los Caballeros) shared a significant Día de Muertos tradition with the Eaglebrook community by creating a beautiful ofrenda, placed near the entrance of the Gibbs Dining Hall. An ofrenda, or decorated altar, is a traditional Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) practice to honor one's deceased loved ones. The ofrenda typically includes photos, candles, and offerings of family members’ favorite foods. Eaglebrook students and staff alike were welcome to leave pictures of their loved ones upon the ofrenda, as well as traditional decorations. These decorations included papel picado, which features intricate designs cut into colorful paper; calaveras, or sugar or chocolate skulls; cempasúchil, the vibrant marigold; and Pan de Muerto, a special sweet bread made specifically for this celebration.
On October 31, the Eaglebrook Kitchen Staff prepared Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo, Mexican rice, zucchini and mushrooms, chips and guacamole, and elote in honor of the holiday. Before the start of the meal, the Caballeros spoke in front of their peers, sharing more information on Día de Muertos and the significance of the ofrenda. They invited classmates to share stories and memories of their deceased loved ones as they enjoyed lunch together, including their favorite foods, activities, music, and even their favorite sports teams.
“Today is a day to be happy, remembering those who have gone before us,” shared Patricio M. '26.
Whether it’s Día de Muertos or another honored holiday, each day at Eaglebrook presents an opportunity for students to openly share their cultural practices with classmates, teachers, and friends, creating a supportive and inclusive community that makes our school a special place for all.
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