Encircled by vibrant marigold cempasúchil flowers and ‘papel picado’ swaying in the air, the Baldwin Park High School campus came to life with the 12th Annual Día De Los Muertos Celebration hosted by the Dual Language Program.
The spectacular student-led event was dedicated to honoring the past with a full of life celebration welcoming everyone to partake in the holiday festivities. Families, friends, and community members came together to enjoy live music performances, art displays, diverse food and drinks, and an unforgettable altar competition.
“We celebrate Día De Los Muertos, it's a Mexican tradition to commemorate lost loved ones and keep them in our memories always, so even though they are dead, they are never lost,” said BPHS senior and Student Board Member Gustavo Trujillo, Jr.
Highlights of the evening included a performance by BPHS student Jade Lopez, who sang "Besos y Copas" by iconic Mexican American songstress Jenni Rivera, a guest altar from Mrs. Milian's 3rd Grade Dual Language Class at Geddes Elementary School, Looms for Lupus' art display, an entertaining games and activities corner led by students of the BPHS Child Development Program, and a special "leave your own dedication card" at the Dual Language Program altar, allowing attendees to leave their own messages and be a part of one big community altar.
Beyond the Dual Language Program, many installations were tied to a cause, club, or organization such as AVID, mental health & kindness, environmental and going green, Care Bears Medical Club, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, migrant experience and border detention, and the Child Development Program, among others.
Also known as The Day of the Dead, Día De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday where families traditionally create “Ofrendas / Altares” to welcome loved ones, as a dedication of their memories. These altars are usually decorated with photos, candles, flowers, memorabilia, and their favorite foods. The holiday is observed annually from October 31 to November 2.
The majority of the event was organized and executed by BPHS students, strengthening the school's ties with the community. The celebration was a heartfelt tribute to the community's heritage and their loved ones.
VIDEO: Photos and videos from BPHS Día De Los Muertos Celebration