The Day of The Dead and its cultural impact on campus
A table celebrating the festivities (Francisco Linares, The Puma Prensa)
Written By: Austin Garcia Villalpando and Francisco Linares, staff writers
As Halloween ends and winter approaches, November kicks off its first two days with a beautiful Latin Holiday to honor and remember the adults and children who have passed on. This celebration is a festivity of life for those who celebrate it. Although mainly revered in Latin America, it is a cultural phenomenon that many celebrate for its significance of the life after death. This can vary from multiple activities, from music, to food, and Ofrendas–which are structures made to embody the life of the people who have passed away. During these days, the deceased are believed to return to the land of the living to visit their families and friends and accompany them in festivals, dances, feasts, and so much more.
Maria Carrillo High School has gathered multiple students and faculty members who celebrate these days to share their thoughts and meanings of the celebration. One teacher in particular, Irania Guerrero Diaz, shared her experience with the holiday in the school and how her students participated in it. “Last year was my first [time] doing the Ofrenda here at Carrillo, and I only had very few students [participate] because I feel like they didn't understand the magnitude of what Day of the Dead was.” Said Diaz. This would present an evident cultural confusion on campus because, as Diaz states, “here [at] Carrillo, Latinos [are sort of] a minority on campus, even though Carrillo is one of the more diverse [schools], I don't see a lot of Latino students in my classes,” showing Diaz’s comprehension of the cultural differences. Even in the moments when students do partake in her Altar, Diaz states, "Being able to share this cultural moment with my students always brings a lot of joy to me.” These actions are not limited to just school-provided acts of celebration such as the Ofrendas, they can be celebrated by anyone; no matter the culture or background, you are welcome to partake in this beautiful holiday.
Our school safety staff member, Daniel Moltalvan, is honoring many people in his family. When asked if there was someone significant to celebrate, Montalvan said, “This year, it's [been] 14 years [since] my uncle passed away. He was born with heart problems, but he died later on of a heart attack.” Montalvan later mentioned his great-grandmother and grandparents on his father's side, who had also passed away, and how they will be celebrated this year as well. Every holiday has a special meaning to someone, Montalvan's favorite part is the time he gets to spend with his family, saying, “That time that you get to spend with everyone, [you] know people are busy with their lives, especially adults, but just to have everybody come together and spend that time with each other, that's what means the most.”
Being capable of connecting peers with cultural holidays is essential to the Mecha Club Presidents Nicolas Arellano and Karla Delgado–who are responsible for the Ofrenda in the library. When the Prensa sat down with these students, a discussion occurred about how they and the students on campus valued this holiday. Arellano said, “For Dia de los Muertos, we are holding an Ofrenda in the library, and it's open to the whole school.” The vice president and president of Mecha club both agreed that it's a new way to experience culture and learn about Latino traditions.
The students are encouraged to celebrate the Day of the Dead with the Ofrendas provided by the Latino/Latina-related clubs on campus. These clubs create free altars for use; all are welcome. The process begins with placing personal items and photos of the deceased member on a spacious counter. The next step is to spread marigold flowers around the belongings. These flowers are essential and are believed to guide the souls of the deceased to the land of the living. Finally, light candles and put the favorite food of the loved one in the space.
Dia de los Muertos remains in the hearts of millions and continues to reach more people. Hispanic cultures will forever celebrate this, and it will always be important for people to reconnect with their loved ones who have passed away. Maria Carrillo High School recognizes this impact and will always provide a place to honor students and staff’s loved ones in their very own area on campus.