San José celebrates Dia de Los Muertos

Festivities occurred throughout the night

El Teatro Campesino Mexican band event on Nov. 2.

The birthday of San Juan Bautista, who is known in English as Saint John the Baptist, was celebrated at “Felíz Día de Los Muertos” on Nov. 2. Dozens of people brought friends and family to Mission San Juan Bautista to celebrate Bautista’s birthday, headlined by El Teatro Campesino, a Chicano band that shares historical and cultural messages in Spanish.

Everyone in attendance could be seen smiling and laughing, despite the frigid temperatures that evening, with many electing to don vibrantly colored costumes. Notably, there were a few individuals from the church clad in skeleton outfits, which are a prominent symbol of Dia de Los Muertos.

Anita Reyes, a teacher in the Theater and Dramatic Arts Department at San Jose City College, volunteered at the occasion and took a handful of students with her to celebrate Felíz Dia de Los Muertos at the Mission.

“I am a proud company member of the Mexican El Teatro Campesino community,” Reyes said.