Real or Fake #30

(1) Read the story. (2) Tell the story in your own words. (3) Ask the questions.
Grave Gathering
In Talca, Chile, locals spend New Year’s Eve at cemeteries with their deceased friends and relatives. While it may seem somber, residents believe that being near their loved ones brings peace to the soul and ensures good luck for the year ahead. Families bring food and drinks, light candles and small fires, and decorate the graves. It allows people to reconnect and make sure the dead are not alone during the celebrations.

This practice is relatively recent, beginning in 1995 when a family climbed into the cemetery to spend New Year’s Eve with their recently deceased father. Moved by the gesture, local authorities changed the law: cemeteries that were once closed on December 31, were now open to the public. Today, Talca’s cemetery celebrations are a well-known local tradition, with thousands participating each year.
Comprehension Questions
  1. What do families bring to the cemetery?
  2. What year did the tradition begin?
  3. How was the law changed?
Discussion Questions
  1. Which part of this tradition sounds the most interesting to you?
  2. What are your favorite New Year traditions?
  3. How do you usually spend New Year’s Eve?
  4. Do you think it’s important to honor the dead?

 

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