At Benito Juarez Community Academy in Pilsen, Luis Alejandro Calvo Velasquez creates calaveras, small skeleton figurines, to honor deceased loved ones during Día de los Muertos. His intricate wire wrapping forms the basis of these commemorative figures. In the art room, students wrap wires with tape and papier-mâché, drawing faces and painting them stark white.
By October, some calaveras will be displayed in shop windows along 18th Street. The Pilsen Chamber of Commerce will select 25 to 30 figurines for local storefronts as part of a competition. The calaveras, representing passed family members, famous figures, or pets, are a tradition during Hispanic Heritage Month. This celebration runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, appreciating cultures like Mexican Independence Day and Día de los Muertos.
Velasquez, 17, gestured to a complete calavera. Describing it as “muy bonita” (very beautiful), he shared that the project feels natural for him. “I don’t need the video for directions. I know everything, the process,” he said. He finds it easy, though others might struggle starting out.
“I know everything, the process,” Velasquez said. “For me, it’s easy.”
Art teacher Steve Vidal assists students in their artistic endeavors. His students have built calaveras for over 20 years and recently partnered with the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce. This collaboration led to the neighborhood’s first Día de los Muertos Window Walk last year.
In 2025, incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement affected community engagement. Despite calaveras displayed on 18th Street, ICE’s presence during Operation Midway Blitz limited visibility and comfort among residents. Vidal noted increased optimism this year, encouraging participation. “This year, however, we feel more positive and comfortable,” Vidal said.
Javier Yañez, co-founder of the chamber, appreciates the festival’s role in maintaining traditions and connecting students with their community. “Events like these … reengage the ability for us to stay educated on where we come from,” Yañez said.
Ayleen Martinez, 14, crafts a calavera for entertainer Michael Jackson, honoring his impact through the icon’s signature moonwalk pose. Jackson’s music connects Martinez with her uncle. “It reminds me of just how important it is to remember those that were a huge part of our lives,” she noted.
Martinez values action over words, stating, “To me, actions are more important than words.”
Crystal Garcia, 14, honors her late father with her project. Her calavera depicts him watching soccer, drinking Coke, and eating a torta, capturing cherished memories. “I feel like it’s really nice because it shows how the school really cares about our traditions and culture,” Garcia said.
Garcia’s personal tribute illustrates the deep connection students have with their backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural traditions in education.