Ballet Nepantla Mística

10-16-2023

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and deeply meaningful Mexican holiday that honors and celebrates deceased loved ones. Far from a mournful occasion, it's a joyful and colorful remembrance where families create elaborate altars, known as ofrendas, adorned with marigolds, candles, photographs, and the favorite foods and drinks of those who have passed. The belief is that on this special night, the spirits of the dead return to visit their living relatives, and the ofrendas serve as a welcoming tribute, encouraging a spiritual reunion filled with cherished memories and a continuation of the bond between the living and the dead.

Our families were invited to the university to see a ballet performance by Ballet Napantla, a New York City-based dance company that fuses contemporary dance with traditional Mexican folklrico. Ballet Nepantla's performances are known for their captivating storytelling. Their productions, such as "Valentina" (celebrating the strength of women during the Mexican Revolution) and "Mística" (honoring ancestors and Día de los Muertos traditions), feature original music, elaborate costumes, and blacklight effects to create breathtaking experiences. Several of our students and the community were invited to perform with Ballet Napantla on stage.

Additionally, our students and their families created decorations for the school’s ofrenda featuring photos of family members who have died and they wanted to share about their life. The ofrenda was featured at a city-wide celebration where other schools and community groups created their own ofrendas. The featured book given to every student was Rosita y Conchita, A Rhyming storybook (Bilingual).