Benito Juarez Community Academy Students Celebrate Día de los Muertos Through Art

In the art room of Benito Juarez Community Academy, Luis Alejandro Calvo Velasquez meticulously winds silver wire around itself, crafting it into a calavera. These small skeleton figurines are iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos, a holiday honoring deceased loved ones. Velasquez, 17, is leading the way alongside his peers in creating these figures that will eventually adorn shop windows on 18th Street.

Every October, the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce showcases around 25 to 30 of these figurines in local business storefronts. Each calavera can represent various departed entities, from family members to pets. The tradition is a significant part of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15. It encompasses a variety of cultural holidays, including Mexican Independence Day and Día de los Muertos. With pride, Velasquez discusses his creation, describing it as “muy bonita,” meaning “beautiful.” He finds the process easy and likens it to a natural skill.

Within the art classroom, students like Velasquez work under the guidance of visual arts teacher Steve Vidal. For over two decades, Vidal has been guiding students in constructing calaveras. Recently, the collaboration with the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce added a new dimension to their work with a neighborhood Día de los Muertos Window Walk introduced last year.

In 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement incidents during the usually festive season deterred community presence on 18th Street. This year, there is a renewed sense of positivity and readiness among the students and staff. More students are involved, spurred by the improved community atmosphere.

Javier Yañez, co-founder of the chamber, emphasizes the project’s importance in preserving Hispanic traditions and culture. He argues that these student-created displays strengthen community ties and highlight the ongoing struggle for representation within schools.

Students bring their unique inspirations to the project. Ayleen Martinez, 14, chose to honor Michael Jackson with her calavera, reflecting her childhood memories tied to his music. Her figurine captures the essence of Jackson’s moonwalk, symbolizing the lasting impact he had on her life. “It’s important to remember those who were significant in our lives,” Martinez asserts.

Beyond the competition, participants like Crystal Garcia, 14, find personal meaning in their creations. Her calavera commemorates her late father, captured in a pose reflecting cherished memories of him watching soccer while enjoying a Coke. “It’s special to capture those moments,” Garcia notes. The project illustrates the school’s commitment to honoring students’ diverse backgrounds and cultural traditions.