On November 7, the Latino Mentor Program (LMP) performed at the Millbrae Recreation for Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead celebration. Dia De Los Muertos is a day to remember and honor loved ones who have passed. On this day, people celebrate their spiritual existence to keep them in remembrance. Traditionally, there is an altar, also known as an ofrenda, which is where people put pictures, candles, marigolds, sugar skulls and food to remember and honor their late family and friends.

In this event, twelve LMP members, five alumni and seven students, performed for the crowd. They performed traditional Mexican dances such as jalisco, chapanicas and veracruz.

Alejandra Hernandez (12), president of LMP, shares her most significant moment from the celebration. “I think the most memorable thing was seeing the girls dance [with] the other dancers because we had more advanced like who already graduated last year, they came to help us. I think it was nice seeing them perform because they’re more experienced.”

In addition to the dancing, they also had crafts for everyone to enjoy. People colored skulls on paper and put a stick on it to make masks.

“We did it for kids and for adults, and they could color and design them. We did it on hard paper and then we gave them a stick with glue,” says program coordinator and health office nurse, Lori Durham. “They made masks with them and walked around [which] was very cute.”

Lastly, Lori Durham shared a couple words about what the event and LMP program means to her. “I think it’s been a pleasure for me to watch, after 21 years, the students performing and doing this. It’s been very rewarding to watch them grow with their confidence and their pride for their country and for dancing and celebrating and sharing with others.”