Mundelein High School’s Puertas Latino Culture Club will host a free, new event called Dias Festivos on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. This bilingual open house style event is aimed at bringing area Spanish-speaking families into the school to celebrate the spirit of the season with their children and to take part in family-friendly activities that highlight some of the holiday and seasonal traditions of Latinos and Latin Americans.

“Due to the heavy Catholicism of the region, the Christmas holidays are an important part of many Latin American cultures and often start near the beginning of December,” said Laura Garcia, Puertas Club advisor. Garcia explained that different Latin American countries celebrate the holidays in different ways throughout Central and South America so this event will highlight a variety of customs for families to learn about those traditions. Some of the events will include Holiday Themed Loteria (board game), Liminaria/Farolito making, Nacimiento coloring, Nochebuena/Poinsettia ornament making, Letters to Santa (PapaNoel)/Los Reyes Magos, Cookie decorating, traditional Mexican Ponche and more.

All area families are welcome to attend any time between 5 and 8 p.m. Activities will run in both Spanish and English.

“Stay for a little while, or stay for a long while!,” Garcia said. “The Puertas students are excited to welcome you and your families during this time of year.