Day Of The Dead

For generations, the people of Mexico have honored the memory of their family and friends through Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, a celebration during the first few days of November which includes decorating sugar skulls (calaveras), creating an altar (ofrenda) of photos, mementos and favorite foods of the deceased, and time set aside for prayer. Helping support their spiritual journeys. 

To honor Cicero students' predominantly Mexican culture with art, history and Cicero District 99 values, we host a celebration every year at Unity Junior High School for a history lesson, showcase of student artwork, and an opportunity of fellowship. 

English PROMO

Spanish PROMO

Alebrijes

Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. The first alebrijes, along with the use of the term, originated with Pedro Linares. In the 1930s, Linares fell very ill and while he was in bed, unconscious, Linares dreamt of a strange place resembling a forest.

Dance Performances

Cultural performances such as Traditional Aztec dancers and processions by Flor de Corazon have been popular entertainment at the event.

Skull Decorating

A "calavera" is a representation of a human skull.  The tradition of sugar skulls is for families to decorate their loved ones' ofrendas with both large (represent adults) and small (represent children). 

Procession by Flor de Corazon

Aztec Dancers

Day Of The Dead Dance

LIVE Catrina Tour

Day Two Of Teacher Training

Day One Of Teacher Training

LIVE FROM UNIVISION DEPORTES RADIO STATION

LIVE Interview with Univision Chicago 

Day Three Of Teacher Training

News

Preserving heritage, honoring loved ones: D99 celebrates annual Day of the Dead event
Preserving heritage, honoring loved ones: D99 celebrates annual Day of the Dead event
Jacqueline Pisano, Coordinator of Media and Public Relations

To celebrate Mexican culture and honor loved ones who have died, District 99 students and families gathered at Unity Junior High School on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m for the District's annual Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) event.

Day of the Dead, a holiday which originates from Mexico, is a multi-day celebration which involves family and friends coming together to pray for and remember loved ones who have passed away, helping support the spiritual journeys of the deceased.

News

Day of the District's pride for culture: District 99 sponsors interactive Dia de los Muertos program
Day of the District's pride for culture: District 99 sponsors interactive Dia de los Muertos program
Jacqueline Glosniak, Coordinator of Media and Public Relations

For generations, the people of Mexico have honored the memory of their family and friends through Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos — a celebration during the first few days of November which includes decorating sugar skulls (calaveras), creating an altar (ofrenda) of photos, mementos and favorite foods of the deceased, and time set aside for prayer.

To honor Cicero students' predominantly Mexican culture with art, history and Cicero District 99 values, the District hosted a Day of the Dead celebration Saturday, Nov. 3 at Unity Junior High School.

Media Appearances

Event Contacts

      Isabel Ramirez       

iramirez@cicd99.edu     (708) 863-4856             

      Art Projects                 Entertainment           Performances        Vendor Registration                                          

 

   Jacqueline Pisano       jpisano@cicd99.edu   (708) 863-8626

Media Inquiries

Thomas Eukovich

teukovich@cicd99.edu (708) 863-8626

    Coordination     Promotions

Sponsors

La Catrinas

Students, their parents and faculty members from across District 99 spent weeks creating "las catrinas," well-dressed woman skeleton figurines traditionally used to symbolize death, out of paper mache and household recyclable items. All catrinas are put into a contest where the top ones get to be displayed at the Cicero Public Library.