Honoring Tradition, Celebrating Life: A Napa Valley Día de los Muertos--Unidos' Artistic Exploration of Geography and Día de los Muertos

Napa Valley Unified School District schools embraced the spirit of Día de los Muertos, fostering a sense of belonging and connection across our community. From elementary to high school, students and staff participated in a variety of activities, honoring traditions, celebrating life, and deepening their cultural understanding. By participating in the Napa Día de los Muertos celebration and hosting school-wide events, our schools showcased the vibrant spirit of this important cultural tradition.

To learn more about how our schools celebrated Día de los Muertos, be sure to read the individual stories in the NVUSD News and enjoy the photos and videos on our social media channels.

Unidos' Artistic Exploration of Geography and Día de los Muertos

Unidos Middle School, a Dual Language Immersion Cultural Arts Integration Academy, brought the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life through a unique and engaging geography unit. Under the guidance of 6th grade Social Studies teacher Erika Solís, students explored the five themes of geography while connecting them to the rich cultural traditions of Mexico.

The unit began with students painting the Napa Valley landscape, followed by paintings of native California animals, many of which are endangered. These initial art projects set the stage for the creation of individual Ofrendas, each one a reflection of the students’ understanding of location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and region. As Solis explained, “We brought together themes of animals, culture, the beautiful Napa Valley region, and the mountain ranges that make our region special. It’s all tied together.” By seamlessly integrating art, culture, and core academic content, Solis’s students not only celebrated Día de los Muertos but also developed a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world.

The students' Ofrendas were a testament to their creativity, cultural understanding, and academic growth. These small but powerful creations were displayed in Dwight Murray Plaza, showcasing the unique blend of language, culture, and arts education that defines Unidos Middle School.

Don't miss the chance to admire the students' beautiful artwork and Ofrendas! Check out the photos below and on our social media pages.