Grade 2 Spanish Class: Celebrating Día de las Velitas
This month, Señor Juan Messenger’s second-grade class learned about Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), a Colombian tradition that marks the start of the Christmas season. Celebrated on December 7, Día de las Velitas symbolizes hope and gratitude and is a time for families to come together to decorate their homes and light candles to welcome the holiday season.
Señor Messenger, who is from Colombia, explained how families celebrate by lighting candles in the streets and around their homes, creating a festive atmosphere that brings communities together. It’s also a time when many families share a special meal to kick off the holidays.
After learning about the tradition, students shared their own family customs and holiday decorations. They then had the chance to make paper lanterns, similar to those used in Colombia during Día de las Velitas, allowing them to engage with the celebration in a fun and creative way.
Through this hands-on activity, students explored themes of light, community, and togetherness while gaining a deeper understanding of Colombian culture and holiday traditions. ¡Muy bien!
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.