For Los Altos High School’s Latino community, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of family and honor, marked by lunchtime piñatas, an ofrenda in the Student Union and individual celebrations at home.  For some students and staff, it’s all about bringing themselves closer to their loved ones.

“It’s almost like having them there, but in a spiritual way,” senior Jessica Gabriel Villalba said. 

The holiday, celebrated Nov. 1 and 2, kicked off a couple of days early with activities by LAHS’s Latino Student Union (LSU). On Wednesday, Oct. 29, LSU’s lunchtime event featured face painting, breaking piñatas and musical chairs. Calavera painting — also known as Día de los Muertos face painting — is prominent in Mexican culture along with breaking piñatas, which is enjoyed throughout all Latin American countries. 

“Face painting is a big part of the tradition,” LSU Vice President senior Chrystal Sesni-Bautista said. “They do it to look just like how the dead come and see us.” 

LSU’s celebration brought awareness of the holiday on campus — but for many in LAHS’s Latino community, the festivities didn’t end there. At home and in their own communities outside of school, students and staff honored the Day of the Dead in their own unique ways. 

Jessica’s family makes an ofrenda — an altar featured in most Día de los Muertos celebrations — for relatives who passed away, including her grandparents and uncle. On the ofrenda, they place home-cooked rice, mole and tamales to honor them.

“I never really got to know them, but I know that they were good, hardworking people,” Jessica said. 

Senior Alex Garcia’s family honors his grandfather, Emilio Garcia, who passed away before Alex was born and served an integral role in supporting his parents’ move to the U.S. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, he helped Alex’s father find a job, and sent money. 

Each year, Alex’s family’s ofrenda features Emilio’s portrait, as well as mariachi, or musical, skeletons, or musician skeletons; cempasúchil marigold petals; and Emilio’s favorite food and drinks — Coca-Cola-flavored candy and a glass soda bottle. 

“It’s a way for me to express my culture, which is fun,” Alex said. “I can connect with my parents, and they can tell stories about my grandpa.”

Office administrator Liliana Campos also gathers with her family to make an ofrenda during Día de los Muertos, but goes beyond, as well.

Along with her family members, she even honors her deceased dogs, placing their favorite treats and tennis ball on the ofrenda.

“It’s remembrance and keeping their spirits alive,” Campos said. “ We reflect on their lives and by spending time together, we get to feel closer to them.”

Both Campos and Alex said that they enjoy Día de los Muertos being celebrated by LAHS and the wider community.

Campos has noticed how Día de los Muertos has become more widely appreciated in the Bay Area. For example, she previously had to get her ofrenda’s decorations from Los Angeles or Mexico. Now, she can find them at stores like Michael’s Arts and Crafts. 

“Before, Día de los Muertos wasn’t as widely celebrated by people outside the culture,” Campos said. “The movie “Coco” really highlighted it, and now it’s really fun because a lot more people know about it.”

On the contrary, Jessica sees the holiday as a more private event, since most people do not celebrate.

“It feels a little bit secluded,” Jessica said. “But it’s our tradition, meant for home and community.”

Senior Writer Sara Lahr contributed to the reporting of this article.