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November 2nd • Culture & Remembrance

Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Today, we debate the different ways that cultures view death, the importance of maintaining ancestral traditions, and the ethics of touristifying sacred holidays. Is death something to be feared or celebrated?

A colorful altar with marigolds and sugar skulls for Day of the Dead

Speaking Discussion

  • How does your culture typically approach the topic of death and remembrance? Is it a somber occasion, or more of a celebration?
  • In your opinion, why is it important for people to stay connected to their ancestors and family history?
  • What do you think about the commercialisation of holidays like Día de los Muertos? Does it help to spread awareness, or does it dilute the meaning?
  • If you could create a new tradition to remember a loved one, what would it be and how would you celebrate it?
  • Do you think that modern society is becoming disconnected from the reality of death? Is this a healthy development?
  • How can we ensure that cultural traditions are respected and preserved when they become popular on a global scale?

Activity 1: The ofrenda Design

The Task: You are a Cultural Historian. You have been asked to design an ofrenda (altar) that represents the life of a famous historical figure.

What items will you include, and what do they represent?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The best way to remember someone is..."
  • "I think celebrating death is..."
  • "In my opinion, cultural traditions are..."