Spanish Students Celebrate Día de los Muertos With Cookie Decorating

Holy Family University students in Professor John Grande’s Spanish 101 class commemorated Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with cookie decorating.

Day of the Dead is a vibrant Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2 to honor loved ones who have passed away. During class prior to Day of the Dead, students discussed the meaning of the holiday, how families prepare for it, and how it is celebrated in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries.

For the cookie decorating, most students contributed to make the day successful. Some baked skull-shaped cookies, and others brought in icing and other decorations to make calaveras, or sugar skulls, which are a traditional symbol of the holiday. The students were encouraged to get creative and use unique designs. Grande said his class learned about the importance of celebrating both life and death, as Day of the Dead is a joyful remembrance rather than a day of mourning.

“This hands-on activity helped the students appreciate Mexican culture and the unique way it honors ancestors,” Grande said.