Tradition and honor: Day of the Dead celebrations take over Encina and Mira Loma

From Oct. 30 through Nov. 3, Encina High School and Mira Loma High School hosted their annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. 

The traditional celebration, which originated in Mexico to honor and remember loved ones who have passed, inspired students to explore their creativity and share their culture with their school community.

Mira Loma’s cultural celebration filled the campus quad with students experiencing music, activity stations, dance performances, art displays and ofrendas (traditional altars). Students across San Juan Unified high schools and middle schools also participated in the event, immersing themselves in the significance of Día de los Muertos. 

Meanwhile, at Encina, students in Natalie Reynoso and Liz Martin’s art classes created Day of the Dead-themed paintings. Over two weeks, they studied the history of the holiday, discussed ideas and developed their own colorful artwork with only primary colors.

“I like sharing my culture with my school and classmates because it’s a way for them to know our traditions and how we do things, so they can also celebrate too,” said Emeraude, an 11th grader at Encina. 

For many students, activities centered on their culture and heritage spark a stronger connection to learning. Teachers noticed that when lessons reflect students’ identities and experiences, participation increases and classroom discussions come alive with creativity and pride.

“It is important for our students to feel a sense of community at their school and celebrate who they are. All of the lessons that we design in our art class are based on our students’ identity and make sense to them about what they’re doing because it relates to their lives,” shared Natalie Reynoso, art teacher at Encina.

Students also emphasize the significance of celebrating all cultures on campus, stating that events like these create opportunities to learn from one another and appreciate the diversity that makes their schools unique.

The celebration extended beyond the classroom at Mira Loma. Music, activity stations, dance and art displays filled Mira Loma’s quad area as they kicked off their annual festival. 

“I think it's really special that we can kind of all come together, and I appreciate that it's a festival where everyone can celebrate and be included,” shared Leila, an 11th grader at Mira Loma.

Through art and shared stories, both high schools created spaces for students to express their cultural identity and to learn about one another’s traditions, cultivating a celebration of remembrance, creativity and belonging.