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European holiday festival celebrates culture and community at the Oaks
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On Dec. 6, the Oaks Mall was transformed into a historical winter wonderland, representing European holiday culture and offering a traditional marketplace experience packed with authentic foods, unique vendors and live entertainment, all supporting non-profit organizations. Traditional European cuisine was scattered across the “Festive Garden” and “Le French Quarter” centers, offering warm beverages like…
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Día de los Muertos celebrates ancestors and traditions
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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…
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Holiday adoption destroys animal’s futures
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The holiday season is often synonymous with warmth, joy, and the spirit of giving. Amidst the festivities, one trend that persists each year is the impulsive adoption of pets as surprise gifts. While the gesture may stem from good intentions, the aftermath often paints a bleak picture. Year after year, many well-meaning individuals rush…
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NPHS Baseball spreads holiday cheer
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Spirited baseball players’ voices and festive music punctuated the crisp December evening. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh pine and spruce trees and the strings of colored lights gave off a soft glow. This was the atmosphere of the NPHS baseball team’s tree lot two weeks before Christmas. Hoping to raise…
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Winter concerts Light up the season
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Band On Dec. 2, the NPHS gym held the anticipated return of the band department’s lively winter concert. The production featured the school’s wind ensemble and jazz band, who played a selection of both traditional and seasonal songs. For students, this was their first concert in nearly two years, bringing a mix of stress…
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Houses light up Newbury Park
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In lieu of traditional holiday celebrations in colder climates, Californians bring it on the decorating front. In hope of spreading joy this holiday season, homeowners in Newbury Park have decorated their houses by covering almost every inch with colorful lights and blow up figures. These festivities began for many in November, when fully decorated…
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Ventura County Fairgrounds light up the night
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Although some classic Christmas activities like ice skating and holiday parties didn’t get to happen this year, CBF Productions, a California festival production company, held a new, COVID-19 friendly event for the holidays. From Nov. 22 until Jan. 2, the same company that began the “Concerts in Your Car” events started a drive through…
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Orchestra spreads holiday spirit virtually
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With COVID restrictions, the NPHS orchestra has had to make the switch to online learning and for their winter concert, they were 100 percent virtual. Students had to take videos of themselves playing their instruments and edit them to match the rest of their group, in order to create a seamless concert as if…
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Diverse holidays pop into season
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November and December is the time of holiday season. These holidays are celebrated by a diverse group of people at NPHS, belonging to several different cultures and religions. Three major holidays during this time are Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas; although celebrated for separate reasons, each holiday involves celebrating with family and friends, reflecting on…
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“It’s a Wonderful Life” still has something to say
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The Christmas film released in 1947 is still a festive classic worth revisiting this year. From the legendary performances by nearly every actor in the film to the timeless message and heart-warming conclusion, it’s well worth considering. The film opens with stars, which represent angels, in the sky discussing how to save George Bailey,…