Students Collaborate to Celebrate and Study Day of the Dead Traditions

In the Spanish classroom, students have been learning about Day of the Dead traditions, including the similarities and differences between the holiday and Halloween, listening to traditional music related to the celebration, studying and enjoying traditional "bread of the dead," and studying the long history and culture of the holiday.

In conjunction with these studies, ceramics students have been learning about the traditional sugar skulls that are created in honor of deceased relatives during Day of the Dead. Clay molded sugar creations date back to the 18th century, and our students studied the history and process prior to creating their own sugar skulls. Students were invited to decorate the skills using modern-day symbolism and colors that could be either self-reflective or honor deceased relatives.

"It is challenging to mold a lifelike skull," said ceramics instructor Shannon Harris. "This project offerred not only the opportunity for our students to learn about the cultural tradition of Day of the Dead, but also challenged them artistically and creatively. It was a rewarding collaboration for all involved," said Harris.

Our students culminated their experience by decorating the interior of the Flagler Memorial Chapel with their sugar skulls, and sharing what they learned about Day of the Dead with the campus community.

Be sure to view photos of the festive Flagler Memorial Chapel decorations in our online photo gallery.