School Builds Día de los Muertos Altar
F.S. Lara Academy created a Día de los Muertos altar for the second consecutive year, honoring deceased loved ones and cultural traditions.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Hispanic
F.S. Lara Academy in Laredo created a Día de los Muertos altar for the second consecutive year. The altar features photographs of Francisco S. Lara, former LISD Superintendent Marcus Nelson, and a range of musicians and public figures.
Why it matters
The altar honors deceased loved ones and preserves a tradition rooted in Mexican and Mexican American culture. It gives students a hands-on way to learn the meaning behind the holiday's customs.
The altar is the school's second consecutive annual display, and the recommended setup start date is Oct. 27. Cortez's family has kept an altar tradition for more than 30 years, dating to her father's death.
The players
F.S. Lara Academy
A public school in Laredo, Texas, where the altar was created by students and staff.
Elizabeth Salazar
A high school teacher at F.S. Lara Academy who prepared a presentation on the meaning of altar elements.
Rosario Cortez
A custodian at F.S. Lara Academy whose family has maintained an altar tradition for more than 30 years.
The details
Students helped make flowers and placed photographs in frames, and were asked to bring photos of deceased loved ones they wanted to honor. Elizabeth Salazar, a high school teacher, prepared a presentation explaining the meaning of altar elements, while custodian Rosario Cortez contributed her family's tradition.
Timeline
Oct. 27 is the recommended start date for setting up the altar.
The article about the altar was published Nov. 7, 2026.
Cultural Roots
The altar follows the Día de los Muertos tradition of building home altars with photographs and offerings, a practice that families in Laredo have carried on for generations. Its second year at the school extends that custom into the classroom.
Families in Laredo can follow the same practice by setting up a home altar with photographs of loved ones before Día de los Muertos. Students and parents who want to take part can bring photos to school or add a personal tribute at home.
The takeaway
Building an altar with photographs of loved ones is a simple way to keep family memories and cultural traditions alive across generations.
Further reading
Explore more Hispanic culture coverage for traditions like this one.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Laredo Morning Times.
