Students gathered on the Green to honor the lives of passed loved ones and celebrate Latino heritage at the Día de los Muertos celebration during lunch on Monday. Día de los Muertos—Day of the Dead—brings people together to cherish those who have passed in a celebration of life and remembrance.
The event was hosted by Intercultural Leadership and featured tables and activities organized by Latino students. Tables full of ofrendas—“offerings” that typically include images of and gifts for deceased loved ones, sugar skulls, marigolds, and candles—were scattered throughout the Green. Clay statues of alebrijes—colorful animals that are seen as spiritual guides—made by AP Spanish students decorated the tables, contributing to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
“Kids that are heritage speakers or non-heritage speakers learn a lot from this experience,” Spanish for Heritage Speakers 3 teacher Evelyn Gil said.
Students partook in festivities by coloring paper skulls, creating lollipop ghosts, and looking at the ofrendas and stands displayed.
“It means a lot to me because I get to educate people on the event on the day of Día de los Muertos, and it’s fun to get to learn about culture,” senior Vaisingano Takitaki said.
“A lot of people think that Día de los Muertos is just something Mexican, but there’s actually a lot of countries in Latin America to celebrate it,” AP Spanish Language and Culture teacher Julieta Oropeza-Gamez said. “I also like the idea that other students that are not just Mexican are also able to feel represented.”
Many students shared a personal connection to the event and the meaning behind it.
“For me, it means remembering my grandparents or my grandma, and remembering that she’s always gonna be here, that our loved ones are always going to be here and always celebrating every moment with us,” junior Nicole Cardozo said.
Halfway through lunch, Intercultural Leadership students brought out a piñata, giving participants the opportunity to hit it and collect the candy inside. The piñata burst after a few hits, and students resorted to throwing up the candy for the crowd to collect.
“We really emphasize that this day is a celebration, a celebration of life,” Gil said. “It’s not a day to be sad, but to just remember those that are not here in a positive way.”
To end the celebration, seniors Kayla Súria Magaña and Zoe Medina performed Baile Folklórico, a form of traditional Mexican folk dance.
“It’s about showing our culture, showing our appreciation, our love for our family and for where we’re from, and it’s just a lot of joy,” Súria Magaña said.
This year’s celebration was unique—in previous years, Día de los Muertos celebrations have been held after school. Going forward, Spanish teachers aim to extend the celebrations further.
“We’re hoping for next year to be a whole week celebration in a different space, where we can have the altares and ofrendas out for an entire week,” Gil said. “Every year it gets better.”
