Celebrating Culture, Bringing Learning to Life
Modern LANGUAGES
18 November 2025
charterhouse news
Pupils immersed themselves in the vibrant traditions of El Día de Muertos. Second Year Specialists (Year 13) pupils Mia, Almila, and Vara share their experience.
El Día de Muertos is one of Mexico’s most unique and meaningful traditions, celebrated every year on 1 and 2 November. Even though it focuses on remembering those who have passed away, it’s far from a sad event. The festival is colourful, lively, and full of symbolism. In our Spanish lessons, we explored its origins, pre-Hispanic roots, and the meaning behind the objects and decorations on traditional altars.
To experience it more directly, the Spanish department set up a small altar de muertos at the entrance of the Modern Languages building. It included key elements like papel picado, bright cempasúchil flowers, candles, sugar skulls, and different offerings. It immediately drew attention, with many pupils stopping to look at it or ask about its symbolism. Some classrooms were decorated too, which made the department feel more festive and welcoming.
During lessons, we discussed the festival in more depth. We compared it with traditions from our own cultures and thought about why different societies remember the dead in such varied ways. Some pupils noted that learning about celebrations like this challenges our assumptions and helps us understand other cultures better. Others said that bringing cultural events into School makes learning Spanish feel more real and helps create a sense of community.
Overall, the initiative brought the festival to life in a way that went beyond the textbook. It helped us understand Hispanic culture more clearly and made the experience both memorable and enjoyable.
Celebrating cultural events like this gives us the chance to bring learning to life and deepen pupils’ understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.
MISS AGUADO DE LA FUENTE, Head of MODERN LANGUAGES
The Library Team joined the Día de Muertos celebration by preparing a wonderful display along with a selection of reading recommendations. Their contribution not only promoted reading in Spanish but also highlighted the richness of Mexican traditions, for which we are truly grateful.
