Nov 10 2014

Weeks of planning  culminated last Friday in one of Sayulita´s biggest party of the season. Costa Verde International School (CVIS) hosted an impressive fiesta to dually celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. This event, which was open to the public, is one of the school´s three largest of the year, and serves as a fundraiser with proceeds going to the scholarship program, on which nearly half of the attending students depend.

Community and holiday spirit came together during this well attended fiesta.  Organizers and volunteers worked hard to prepare for the event, and it showed. Past alumni and parents also contributed to this annual tradition, demonstrating their continued support and loyalty to the cause. 

Organizer Cheri Hasburgh commented,"I think the most important part of the Day of the Dead/Halloween celebration is that it really brings the community inside of the gates of Costa Verde. They are curious and excited. People of all ages, foreigners and locals, enjoy seeing and celebrating  both traditions together. It is also one of the first events to kick off the high season because now the parties begin. From here until May there are many fund raisers  and celebrations so this one just kind of wakes up the community and kicks off the new season, so to speak."

The night was indeed alive with energy and vibrant color, amidst an impressive array of fanciful costumes. The school´s grounds and its´ festivities were divided to separately yet jointly celebrate the different but similar holidays. A traditional alter honoring the dead had been erected on the side paying homage to Dia de los Muertos, while a haunted house showcased the Halloween tradition.

In addition to tasty food and drinks, there were many other fun filled festivities for the whole family including face painting, bowling, basketball, a photo booth, a cake walk and a photo booth, just to name a few. Special t-shirts were designed and for sale to commemorate the event.

Said Tamra Boltjes, CVIS co-founder, "The Halloween-Day of the Dead Festival has become a beautiful tradition at Costa Verde. Thanks to the APO (parents association) who sponsor this event as well as the many parent and community volunteers they enlist, it is always a wonderful and spooky surprise. Cheri Hasburgh is to thank for organizing year after year, along with Jenny Martinez, in making this an unforgettable celebration."  

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