Día de Muertos, better known as Day of the Dead, is a day where loved ones honor and remember those who have passed. Día de Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday held on Nov. 1st & 2nd. Instead of being a solemn occasion like funerals, it’s known as a lively and vibrant celebration. Celebrators of Día de Muertos believe death is part of the natural cycle of life. On this day people gather to commemorate the lives of those who have departed, celebrating their return to the living world.
Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) Spanish teacher Lorena Adame said, “The most important thing is understanding that while we may lose loved ones, they will always be with us, and Day of the Dead allows us to focus and remember all the beautiful moments we shared with them.”
HBHS held a Día de Muertos celebration in the student center. Teachers, families, and students came together to honor loved ones who have passed. The celebration was filled with colorful decorations, traditional foods, writing, music, and meaningful activities that captured the essence of this special day.
HBHS junior Jessie Ross said, “I enjoyed spending time with my friends and classmates while setting up the Day of the Dead celebration.”
The decorations were stunning, with marigolds, candles, and colorful paper cutouts displayed everywhere. Each item held a special meaning—the bright marigolds are thought to guide spirits back to us, and candles symbolize lighting the way for their return. These decorations helped set a reflective and joyful tone, and people took a moment to pause and appreciate the meaning behind each symbol, sparking conversations and memories about loved ones.
Adame said, “Learning about the Day of the Dead benefits students to learn how other cultures are similar and different regarding their practices and perspectives regarding losing a loved one.”
The celebration wrapped up with music, laughter, and storytelling, which brought everything together warmly and lively. The music added an upbeat feel and traditional stories shared by teachers and students captured the spirit of the holiday. By the end of the event, everyone left with a sense of connection—not only to each other but also to the memories of the people we celebrated. It was a beautiful reminder that the love and remembrance we share keeps those who have passed alive in our hearts.
