SANTA MARIA — Ancestors, fallen family and friends will be remembered during a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Rally at Righetti High School on Wednesday, Oct. 30th.
The event was organized by the student group Latinos Unidos and starts about 11:20 a.m. at the Greek Theater. It will feature traditional music, dance and song. Students and staff also plan dress up and face paint colorful skulls, flowers and other Day of the Dead motifs.
“This tradition dates to the Aztecs in Mexico who celebrated the lives of the deceased with food, drinks and activities that the deceased enjoyed in life,’’ said Warrior Spanish/Ethnic & Gender Studies Teacher and Lations Unidos Advisor Patricia Villalobos. “Día de los Muertos recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a type of continuum in the cycle of life. Students are Righetti come from a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds and it is imperative that we create experiences on campus that acknowledge everyone. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by a community of students that recognizes the value of traditions and culture. Their curiosity to learn more about their heritage, history and family background inspires me daily. It is with much honor and respect that I support and work with our students to put on another Día de los Muertos rally for our school community.’’
Students are more than ready for the cultural activity.
“I want to show our culture and how amazing and colorful it is. I also want to share with others a tradition that is growing and is being celebrated by the generations of today. It is especially important to celebrate a tradition that has been passed down to me by my ancestors.” – Julie Magaña, 12thgrade
“I’m excited to be able to demonstrate my culture to the whole school. Sharing our traditions and simply expressing ourselves the way we know how to.” – Jorge Pérez, 12th grade