Children perform songs or chants they have learned during the regular school year. Here a group performs "El burro enfermo" in the gym set up "in the round." Note the main entrance to the gym is covered with crepe paper. The children love to come in this fun way!
Parents and all the school staff attend and are seated on the perimeter of the gym. Children who are heritage speakers are encouraged to bring in authentic flags or clothing for the celebration.
Flags are an important part of the fiesta as is the playing of musical instruments from Spanish-speaking countries.
Third and fourth grade students make the papel picado and paper chains that decorate the walls and ceiling. Teachers and other staff members help decorate the gym in the early morning.
Teachers as well dress for the occasion. Children wear colorful clothing. Here we see Dulcinea del Toboso being serenaded.
At the end of the school-wide presentation, everyone dances to "La Raspa." Children choose their class partners ahead of time or dance with children from a lower grade that they have been buddied with all year for reading.
Next, the entire second grade waits patiently for a turn to break the piñata. Each student has made and decorated a paper sombrero for the event.
Children have practiced safety rules in class beforehand so that the breaking of the piñata is done safely.
Once a piñata breaks completely, a signal is given and children from that class run around to gather up the small toys and goodies and then put them on a tray. The teachers divide the treats later in little bags for taking home.
You can see the pelele that the third graders toss on top of the cabinet. More photos coming for third and fourth grade activities in the afternoon. Note the simple "costumes" made out of paper and crepe paper.
