At the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center, grades 1, 4 and 7 from the Private Dutchess Day School created beautiful and extraordinarily elaborate Mexican Skulls and Skeletons for all to view.

Dia de los Muertos, which means Day of the Dead is an interesting Holiday celebrated in Central and Southern Mexico. The tradition honors the dead and celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties and activities the Dead enjoyed in life.

Alison Rowland, the beloved Art Teacher at Dutchess Day School presented a lavish collection made by her students, under her talented and inspirational eye the children’s imaginations were free to soar with endless creativity exuding all the marvelous colors and textures that so capture the Mexican tradition of the celebrated Holiday.

Hudson Heinemann and Derrick Rosse, both 4th graders displayed unique originality in their Skelton figures. “I really enjoyed making these clay skeletons and learning about this festive Holiday, there is so much to learn from other cultures. Ms. Rowland is an amazing Art Teacher and I look forward to all the Art Projects we participate in.” said Hudson Heinemann.

Scholars trace the origins of the Modern Mexican Holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec Festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The Holiday has spread throughout the world, being absorbed within other deep traditions for honoring the dead. It has become a National Symbol and as such is taught for educational purposes in the Nations Schools. Many families celebrate “All Saints Day” associated with the Catholic Church.

Delicious Pan de Muerto was served at the Exhibition, which is a sweetened soft bread shaped like a bun then decorated with bone shaped phalanges pieces and topped with sugar.

A truly delightful Holiday!!