Celebracion de Dia De Muertos en Casa Ramirez

Post Oak School students celebrated the Day of the Dead at the organization called Casa Ramirez. Saturday, October 28, students went to Casa Ramirez for festivities, indigenous dancing, and parade. With Maestra Andrea Novak, Spanish teacher, the students helped with decorations and the celebration. The students went to the celebration with traditional makeup and clothing. They sang a version of the song “Llorona,” a traditional Day of the Dead song. Their favorite parts include the “Friendship Circle” dance, and the parade with skulls, banners, crosses, and other decorations.

Casa Ramirez is a Mexican shop in Houston. Student Maria Suarez, a sophomore at Post Oak who works with the shop, recently connected her school with them. As students learned about Dia De Muertos traditions, significance, and celebrations in their Spanish classes, many were eager at the chance to join Casa Ramirez’s celebration. 

Friendship Circle Dance

The parade took place in the parking lot across from the shop. It was full of crosses, banners, and skulls. Students carried a giant calavera (skull), and held a banner with the shop's name. 

The highlight of the night for many students was the dancing. Ambika Krishnamoorti, shared her favorite part was watching these traditional dances, and Kien Tom shared that it was a “very communal celebration.” The air filled rhythmic drumming as indigenous dancers astonished the crowds. This year, the dancers were led by their first female leader. When speaking about the meaning of the dances, their leader spoke in English, and another dancer spoke in Spanish, symbolizing how the two cultures can come together. 

Indigenous Dancers

After sharing their dances, they welcomed the audience to join them. The students, their families, and the public audience held hands in a large so-called, “Friendship Circle.” The indigenous dancer guided the public through this simple and symbolic dance. They told people to look up, then down, and put a leg up to thank the sun and earth. As the circle spiraled, they would pause and thank the four cardinal directions. Kamilla Spencer shared, “It was great to see so many people come together for this celebration.” This year was the greatest turnout for the Friendship Circle dance that Casa Ramirez had ever seen. 

Maria Collados thought, “The environment was just very friendly. You could tell people were passionate. Everyone was kind of accepted in a way. It was cool to see how everyone was having fun.” This celebration was a touching and beautiful way for students to learn about new cultures. Post Oak teachers like Maestra Novak work hard to integrate diverse perspectives and culture into their classes. Her class, and moments like these, give students the opportunity to learn about tradition, and celebrate while doing it.