Local students take part in Día de los Muertos celebration

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a deep-rooted Mexican tradition full of color and celebration. It is a time when love and respect are paid to loved ones who have passed away; a celebration of life and death. It's a tradition not only for Mexicans, it’s for everyone.

Students at Palm Springs High School didn’t just learn about Día de los Muertos, they were a part of it.

"For me, it's most important sharing our culture and how we celebrate and what's the big part around it a big celebration of life," said junior Aurora Gonzalez-Salazar.

Gonzalez-Salazar is a part of the folkloric dancers who performed in front of her classmates.

"The rush that you get of just dancing and looking around and seeing kids just look at you like, wow, look at these skirts, look at the colors," said Gonzalez-Salazar.

Their Spanish teachers, like Raquel Schieldge, made the celebration possible.

"Show them a little bit of the world, you know, even if it's inside of the school walls, you know, we, we bring the world to them," said Schieldge. "And I think for the students that are inside of the culture, it's a matter of creating that pride and admiration for who they are."

Students got to create their own marigold flowers and write letters to loved ones who have passed away.

"Bringing to memory, the loved ones, the ones that made an imprint on us. So I feel that that moment is important because they can reflect a little bit," said Schieldge.

It was a day for celebration where everyone is welcome.

"It's not just the big part about teachers, it's more like we're family," said Gonzalez-Salazar.

Last year, the students celebrated over zoom, but today, the Spanish teachers said they are so thankful to be able to celebrate in person this year.