Faces painted in artful black-andwhite designs, flower-festooned altars memorializing loved ones, and a closing ceremony punctuated by live music and folkdance traditions made West Valley College’s Día de Los Muertos 2025 a vibrant, campuswide community celebration.
On-campus activities offered Oct. 27 – Nov. 3 brought together students, faculty, and community members to commemorate life, culture, and legacy. A national holiday in Mexico and other Latin American countries, Día de los Muertos honors the cycle of life and death.
West Valley students engaged in cultural workshops ranging from sugar skull decorating to a reflective session hosted by El Centro exploring the meaning behind the celebration. The collaborative “Build Your Own WVC Altar” project invited departments and student groups to design personalized ofrendas incorporating the elements — water, wind, earth, and fire —creating a moving tribute to loved ones.
Programming also featured lively performances by Los Lupeños Folklórico dancers, the WVC Concert Choir, and a walking parade led by Calpulli Ocelocihuatl, with a closing ceremony culminating in Aztec dance, live mariachi, and traditional food outside the Cilker Building.
According to organizers, the annual tradition affirms our campus commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community connection through shared cultural expression.