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Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is a series of commemorative days dedicated to those who have died. It is celebrated generally between Halloween, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, and coincides with the Catholic holy days of All Saints (Nov. 1) and All Souls (Nov. 2). Families often come together over this period and preparations can be made during the entire year leading up to the Day of the Dead. This is a solemn occasion, with few actual festivities. Instead, people visit and repair graves of their dearly departed. It is common to light candles, leave offerings of prepared foods, often a favorite meal, and to pray and play music. Private altars are built as focal points for small, private religious observances. This year, St. Patrick School will be honoring this tradition with our own Dia de los Muertos altar. Beginning next week, students are invited to bring photographs of loved ones, friends, or pets who have passed away. Starting the week of October 28, students will be learning about this Mexican tradition and will visit the Dia de los Muertos altar with their class where they will display the photograph(s). The altar will be displayed throughout the week and at the end of the week, Father Matthew will pray a special blessing over our altar and for those we have lost.
Would you be willing to donate items to display on our altar? We are looking for some flowers, fruit like guava, limes, or bananas, religious candles, or other religious statues to display. We will return your items at the end of the week - just be sure to label them! 
If you have experience with creating a Dia De Los Muertos altar, we could use your help in designing ours! If you're willing to share some thoughts or ideas, please email me at: kmonaghan@stpatrickkc.com.