Camila Flores

Cultural dance performed by professionals, showing us what it is really like during a Dia de los Muertos celebration.

After a 4 years hiatus, the Día de los Muertos event made a welcomed return to Buena High School and the surrounding community Nov. 1

Due to many obstacles surrounding COVID-19, the Spanish department had to discontinue this event but students and faculty fought to bring it back for students and their families.

On  Día de los Muertos people gather to share memories of their loved ones. It is believed that the spirits of passed loved ones return to the living to enjoy what they did in life through altars made by their loved ones.

The event included different booths, games, food, and music all run by students of Spanish classes 1-4.  And best of all, there were Aztec dancers that showed the cultural importance of the event by revealing what a real celebration would look like in Mexico.

“It is a good turn out. I think we were nervous that not a lot of teachers or students were coming but so far it is going really well,”Spanish teacher Alejandra Gonzalez said. 

Students in Spanish one and two created an ofrenda which is to welcome the souls of the dead which includes things such as photographs, and marigolds. Altars dedicated to someone’s life that commemorates what that individual enjoyed as well as welcoming them home.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Camila Flores

One of the many ofrendas created by students from Spanish classes. This represents the remembrance of a lost loved one, and the celebration of their life.

“It makes people feel emotional because they have to reflect on a family member…but it turns into them being glad they can honor a family member,” Gonzalez said. 

Students from each Spanish class at Buena were responsible for setting up the event and running the different booths such as face painting and bracelet making along with setting up for games like cornhole and mini basketball.

Senior Mikaela Garza, a Spanish 4 student, ran a scavenger hunt booth which asked participants to find and participate in various activities such as finding things around the event, and being able to win candy. This was a new experience for her as it was her first  Día de los Muertos. 

“I think the people feel proud and I can tell they are excited to be here and so am I,” Garza said.

 Día de los Muertos has a unique impact on a lot of people because  it offers the opportunity to heal and celebrate loved ones. It  is an opportunity for students to experience the impact the event has on the people of their culture. Being the fact that they don’t have to mourn about their lost loved ones, but instead can celebrate the beautiful life they lived. 

“As someone who is half [Mexican], I don’t really get to connect with my culture, but this event helped me do that, and I got to understand what I was missing out on,” Garza said.