On Nov. 7, Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) hosted a Día de los Muertos celebration where students and families honored their loved ones who have passed away. The event was organized by the Be Heard club, with Spanish teacher Andres Viera Torres serving as the club adviser and head organizer.

Día de los Muertos, a Hispanic holiday also known as the Day of the Dead, is traditionally observed from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2. This two-day celebration reunites the living and dead. Rather than being seen as a sad occasion of mourning, the holiday is a joyful and colorful celebration of life and memory, reflecting the belief that death is a natural part of the human experience and that the spirits of the dead return to visit their families during this time. 

The event started off slowly as lively Hispanic music played and guests filtered into the quad. Decorations were placed throughout the space, and tables were set up to host activities and serve food. These stands featured activities representing the culture and customs of Día de los Muertos and Hispanic culture. Many students appreciated the variety of stands offered.

“Since we have traditional games here, you know, [people] can see what the traditional games are like, they can see different things. You know, we have the mercadito bags, arts and crafts, there’s tacos, there’s horchata, there’s aguas frescas, so [people] can just see a whole bunch of different aspects of Mexican culture,” said Jordan Lacson ‘28.

Several students who attended the event contributed to the creation and setting up of decorations, like ofrendas (altars), also decorated with photos, candles, marigold flowers, papel picado (colorful perforated paper) and the favorite food and drinks of the departed.

“I helped the Be Heard Club set up, setting out flowers, setting up the tables and putting out different decor.
 As the ASB President, it’s nice to help other clubs accomplish and meet their goals for their own events,” said Santanah Schnizler ‘27, President of the Associated Student Body (ASB).

As event organizer, Vierra Torres spoke about the Be Heard Club’s mission and the importance of celebrating Hispanic culture.

“Be Heard is a group of students that advocates for the Hispanic essence in the school. 
Not only in the school but the community, right? It’s not only Hispanics, it’s a group of people, students, but basically they just advocate for [Hispanics], and make sure that [Hispanics] are represented in this school,” said Vierra Torres.

“I’d say the food [is my favorite] because there’s a taco truck and pan dulce and that stuff, so [I’m] pretty excited for that,” said Camilla Tadillo ‘28

As the event slowed down, a group of folklorico dancers entered the stage and entertained the audience, performing several dances in a traditional Mexican style of dancing. Audience members clapped along to the music and cheered for the performers. Afterwards, attendees were invited to join the folklorico dancers on the stage to dance together.

To many, the celebration was important in more ways than one. Students commented on the impact of the event on the community. “I think [the event will] bring awareness to culture because not everybody here is of Mexican culture and not everybody knows what it is. So, by having a whole event, being upon it, people can really dive in and see [what it is about].” Lacson said.

“I think celebrating this at school brings more people together, and it creates more of an air that helps us all understand [the culture]… and brings new ideas to people who have not been raised in this culture and don’t know about it.” Grace Kopp ‘28 said. As the night came to a close and attendees began to leave, the cleanup process began. Despite the event’s end, the remembrance of loved ones who have passed on will continue.