Students explore Día de los Muertos at Human Rights Education Institute

It was a lively Day of the Dead discovery day Tuesday as students from the Spark! Co-op North Idaho explored Día de los Muertos at the Human Rights Education Institute.

Spark! students dressed in costume as they enjoyed cultural lessons about Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, which is a Mexican holiday when families come together to honor the souls of their deceased loved ones and celebrate them with food, drink and offerings.

Día de los Muertos begins Thursday on Halloween and ends Saturday.

The Spark! students learned about the chemical reaction of dry ice while preparing a bowl of punch. They also explored the history and symbolism of Día de los Muertos and colored masks as part of the festivities.

"Masks are a significant part of the Day of the Dead celebration for a number of reasons, including transformative ritual so they see themselves as they were before they died," HREI Executive Director Jeanette Laster said.

The masks represent deceased family members and skulls serve as a symbol of mortality, she said.

"Masks are part of the Mexican culture often made with wood or clay and painted with vibrant colors and designs," she said. "Masks also ward off evil spirits, and they tell stories through dance and performance."

Spark! Co-op is a secular homeschooling community that uses a collaborative approach to inspire a love of learning, encourage critical thinking and nurture students' unique talents of each student through a culture of acceptance and exploration. HREI is the home base for Spark! students, who meet at the nonprofit once a week.

HREI's mission is to celebrate diversity and human rights through education and awareness.

Halloween festivities will continue Thursday at HREI with a showing of "Spookley the Square Pumpkin" for little trick-or-treaters at noon. More family-friendly activities including Día de los Muertos crafts, music, games and cultural fare will be going from 4 to 7 p.m. Across the way, the Coeur d'Alene Carousel will be open for Halloween rides from 1 to 6 p.m.

    Spark! Co-op North Idaho students enjoy the traditional "bread of the dead," or pan de muerto, Tuesday as they learn about the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead at the Human Rights Education Institute. From left: Owen and Avril Silva, Everly Nelson and Luna Sons.