Día de los Muertos celebrates ancestors and traditions
The festival of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated all around the world, primarily in certain parts of Mexico and other latino countries, as well as right here in Newbury Park. Día de los Muertos is a vibrant holiday celebrated in remembrance of those who have passed on. On Nov. 1 at 4 p.m., many gathered at Borchard Community Center to celebrate and recognize ancestors. In attendance were community members, NPHS teachers and vendors. There were activities for people of all ages, including a mariachi band performance, crafts and various local vendors’ booths for shopping.
Julieta Rodriguez-Aguilar, NPHS Latino Connection Club’s advisor, has been a part of Borchard’s Dia de los Muertos festival for 3 years and plans to continue volunteering in the future. She views this festival as a great way for the community to gather to recognize ancestors. “[This festival] helps unite the community because it’s a good opportunity for people to learn about other cultural differences, other celebrations and traditions that exist in our community that maybe people are not often aware of. So it gives everyone an opportunity to experience the Dia de los Muertos celebration,” Aguilar said.
As well as Aguilar’s role at the festival, Aguilar has celebrated this holiday throughout her life and teaches the significance of Día de los Muertos in her classroom at NPHS. “[I enjoy] teaching about it in my classroom, sharing about the celebration with my students and giving them an opportunity to learn the history,” Aguilar said.
In addition to the Latino Connection Club booths, local artists and creators of various skills were given the opportunity to present and sell their works at the celebration. Among them, Ulalia Martinez creates bracelets, earrings, rings and other jewelry through her business “Ulalia’s creations.” Through showcasing her creations, Martinez meets people of all backgrounds as well as passes the traditions on to the next generation. “I think this is very important because our kids learn […] and then it doesn’t end here, you know. It’s very nice they continue it,” Martinez said.
Camilla Pacheco, senior at Thousand Oaks High School, worked at the event to assist families at the crafting booth. “Festivals like these help unite the community by bringing them together with tying culture and experiences into something fun for everyone attending,” Pacheco said. “It creates a sense of community by offering shared experiences and traditions. They are also a time to relax, have fun and create memorable memories.” Pacheco’s favorite memory of Dia de los Muertos was honoring her family members who have passed by making an ofrenda, also known as an altar. “It’s always so fun gathering with my family, remembering the ones that we have lost,” Pacheco said.
Día de los Muertos, celebrated with taco trucks, crafts and fun at Borchard Community Center, is most importantly a time to remember those who have passed. “El Día de los Muertos es una celebración que es importante para la cultura latina porque las familias pueden conectarse y honrar a sus familiares,” Aguilar said. In translation, The Day of the Dead is an important celebration that gives families an opportunity to honor and celebrate their deceased family members.
