Spanish Students Decorate Colorful Skull Cookies as Part of Dia de los Muertos Celebration

As part of Dia de los Muertos, or  the Day of the Dead celebrations, Holy Family University students in John Grande’s Spanish 101 class colorfully and creatively decorated home-baked skull cookies. The cookies were baked by freshman Clare Eib, and her classmates contributed icing, water and juice to the complete the crafting session.

The “Day of Dead,” a ritual in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, is based on the ancient feast of All Hallows Eve, which is said to be the one night that the spirits of the dead can return to earth.  The day pays homage to friends and family members who have died and often includes the creation of sugar skulls, visits to cemeteries, decorated gravesites and altars built in homes, where photos of the deceased are surrounded by flowers, lighted candles and favorite foods.

The celebration takes place on November 1–2, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls' Day (Nov. 2).