At English Language Partners (ELP), learning English isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary, it’s about connection and community. And sometimes, the best connections happen over food and stories.

Recently, learners and staff at ELP Whanganui were surprised with a special homemade treat - Pan de Muerto. Carmen, a learner from Mexico, had baked the sweet bread with help from her granddaughters and brought it in to share.

Carmen was celebrating Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, a vibrant Mexican tradition observed in early November each year. Carmen’s class gathered around to taste the bread, ask questions and learn about the meaning behind the tradition.

Language learning through culture

Halfway through the morning, the class had paused for morning tea, a simple but important tradition at ELP Whanganui. Sharing food and conversation in the kitchen gives learners a chance to practise English in a relaxed setting, connect on a personal level and build confidence.

Carmen shared the symbolism behind the bread: the round shape represents the cycle of life and death, while the cross-shaped bones on top point to North, South, East, and West – directions loved ones travel in. Sprinkled sugar adds sweetness and hope, and the orange blossom flavouring evokes remembrance, bridging past and present.

“This comes from a mix of cultures, the Mexican indigenous and the Spanish Catholic. They mix the rituals,” Carmen told the class.

She also described how families decorate graves with marigolds or create altars at home, placing photos, candles, flowers, and favourite foods of loved ones - such as tacos, tamales or pizza.

Carmen’s Pan de Muerto sparked lively discussion about cultural celebrations and even marigolds - flowers she was surprised to find growing in New Zealand.

“It was a surprise for me when I got to New Zealand to see marigolds. I thought they were only for Mexico,” she laughed.

Learners asked questions about the bread and the rituals, and Carmen happily answered. Carmen had also written down details to share with the class. This activity gave her the opportunity to practise both spoken and written English, while teacher Patsy supported by adding vocabulary to the whiteboard - words like ritual, indigenous, and marigold for the class to review.

Celebrating cultural diversity

Whanganui Centre Manager Jane Blinkhorne says sharing cultures is woven into everyday life at ELP Whanganui.

“Learners often bring kai to share for cultural events or personal milestones,” she says.

ELP has a long tradition of embracing cultural and ethnic diversity, and that commitment continues today.

“It’s common to see many different cultures celebrated here. It’s a privilege to learn about tikanga and traditions that matter to learners,” says Jane.

These celebrations are an important reminder that language learning is more than just words but a way to connect with those around us.

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