Día de los Muertos Tradition at Pilsen’s Benito Juarez Community Academy

In Pilsen’s Benito Juarez Community Academy, students create calavera, small skeleton figurines, to honor loved ones during Día de los Muertos. This holiday celebrates deceased individuals using intricate designs of silver wire, tape, and papier-mache. The calavera construction, a long-standing tradition, showcases family members, famous figures, or pets.

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, includes cultural celebrations such as Mexican Independence Day and Día de los Muertos. Students like Luis Alejandro Calvo Velasquez, 17, find the art project both fun and intuitive, reflecting on the ease of creating calavera without guidance. “For me, it’s easy, but for others starting, it’s difficult,” Velasquez remarked.

Art teacher Steve Vidal supports the students, offering advice on paint techniques and adjustments. Vidal’s classes have been creating calaveras for over two decades, recently partnering with the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce to display them during the Día de los Muertos Window Walk.

The calavera display faced challenges in 2025 due to ICE presence during Operation Midway Blitz, reducing community turnout. Vidal notes improved conditions this year, leading to increased student participation. Javier Yañez, co-founder of the chamber, emphasizes how these events preserve cultural heritage and connect students with the community.

Students like Ayleen Martinez, 14, commemorate figures like Michael Jackson. Her calavera mirrors Jackson’s iconic moonwalk. This creation bonds Martinez with her uncle through fond memories of Jackson’s music, illustrating the depth of community connection.

For Crystal Garcia, 14, the project honors her late father. Her calavera depicts him watching soccer, drinking Coke, and enjoying a torta. “It shows how the school really cares about our traditions and our backgrounds,” Garcia expressed, highlighting the cultural significance within her personal history.