The Riverview School (kindergarten through eighth grade) has been celebrating Día de los Muertos for several years, but added a twist this time around. Each of the classes created Catrinas for a showcase at the school, which were on display for the community to check out on Oct. 29. The statuettes pop with color, traditional-looking attire and, of course, skeletal faces.
Attendees were able to make contributions to donation boxes at the various Catrinas, which went right back to the respective grade to be used for school supplies, field trips and more. The competition was between classes within a grade level, and the winning Catrinas were based on the amount collected. Three school-wide winners were also recognized. Folks can still contribute by donating to the school and noting their favorite Catrina at tinyurl.com/RiverviewCatrinas
“The purpose was simple: celebrate culture while giving back to the very students and teachers who make our school community so special,” Family Volunteer Organization Vice President Andy Arias told The Sun.
The winning Catrina, created by Miss Quetzali’s first-grade class, was “inspired by monarch butterflies,” according to a write-up from the class, celebrating “life, remembrance and the beautiful connection between generations. Just as monarch butterflies make their incredible journey each year, we are reminded that love and memories continue to travel with us, even when our loved ones are no longer by our side.”
Mrs. Carolina and Señora Garcia’s second-grade class placed second for a Catrina donning “the colors of the nopal cactus, a plant that grows in Mexico’s deserts,” the class wrote. “The nopal can survive in hot, dry conditions, so it is a symbol of strength and perseverance. Just like the cactus, people can stay strong and keep going through hard times.”
Fifth grade came in third with their Catrina, “Miguela,” who “represents the vibrant colors and spirit of both Mr. Ruiz’s ‘Yellow Submarine’ classroom and Ms. Sahira’s ‘Desert Cactus’ classroom … incorporating meaningful elements from their everyday lives in fifth grade.” These students also created a book with individual entries detailing what Día de los Muertos means to them.
The school hopes to make the Catrina Showcase part of its annual tradition celebrating Día de los Muertos.
Though it’s not certain exactly where, the intent is to display the Catrinas on First Friday in Carbondale, so keep a lookout.