If you walk far enough down the hall this week at Krueger Middle School, you will soon find yourself in a new place that looks less like a school and more like Market Square downtown. Faculty, staff and students have been hard at work, creating a Dia de los Muertos Gallery Walk.
“Krueger art teachers have been working hard on our campus ofrenda and a gallery walk that is just beautiful,” said Michelle Lewis, Krueger librarian. “Dia de Los Muertos has always been a big campus-wide celebration at Krueger! It gets bigger and better every year.”
There is papel picado leading up and around a huge ofrenda that nearly touches the ceiling. An ofrenda is a personal alter where objects are placed to honor loved ones who have passed. Krueger’s is covered with pictures of family members who have passed away, books and other trinkets. Those who may not celebrate Dia De Los Muertos may be familiar with the tradition because of the Disney movie “Coco.” As it turns out, Krueger Theatre teacher, Hidie Cabral, has a real connection to that movie.
“My dad is part of pictures you will find on the altar,” said Cabral. “Our life was very similar to the ‘Coco’ movie because he had his own shoe factory, and I actually brought some materials from his factory to display on the altar. He was magical.”
Cabral is holding a Calavera contest, where students are encouraged to submit a poem in Spanish. Her husband created beautiful wooden art pieces to give to the students who win the competition.
They have also created larger-than-life pictures of famous people who have passed away like Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader-Ginsburg, actor Chadwick Boseman, and singer Selena.
On top of all that, Krueger is also expanding its campus wellness initiative with a Dia de Los Muertos 5K event. This continues the “Step into September” initiative by giving teachers, students and staff the chance to put their walking shoes on and get their steps in.
Dia De Los Muertos is a multi-day event. November 1 is a day to recognize children who have passed, while adults are celebrated on November 2.
