Jazlene Cuello (left), Myha Rivera, and Kaysie Rivera are has painted faces. Photo by Adam Bell.
Jazlene Cuello (left), Myha Rivera, and Kaysie Rivera are has painted faces. Photo by Adam Bell.

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On Nov. 2 Arts Audacity, Hollister Downtown Association, Veterans Memorial Building and Hollister High School hosted their 2nd annual “Altares on San Benito”, Hollister’s annual Day of the Dead event. Nearly 700 people came with colorful costumes and warm memories of beloved community, friends and family members.

Rosalinda Sanchez, executive director of Audacity Performing Arts said the Altares celebration, “has been around for centuries.” According to history.com, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead  is “a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.” Different variations are celebrated in other parts of the world as well.

Sanchez said their Altares San Benito has a local story “about how our students at Hollister High and all over Hollister are contributing to the city’s economy. This gives them incredible life skills that help students envision themselves as the inheritors and future leaders of Hollister.” Sanchez explained that students went out on their own to talk to businesses about supporting the event and that was in itself a valuable learning and confidence building experience. “For that, they get to see themselves and their cultural heritage as something that is reflected and respected through the event in the community they live in.” 

Sanchez said that on a deeper level, the event is not just a day’s celebration. It is the work the students do to prepare for it and make it successful. The kids are led by their art teacher Mrs. Christina Ross of Hollister High, who is also a co-founder of the event.

Both are most proud of the relationships youth built with local businesses and the confidence they developed doing it. Audacity Performing Arts serves Title 1 schools primarily in neighborhoods in the South Bay but hosts Altares in Hollister. 

There were many altars on display. One that was honored with many lit candles was for Priscilla Jones, the co-founder of MmmChurros. Jones was recently killed in a car accident on Highway 25 on Oct. 28.

(All photos by Adam Bell)

Serena is painting Lucy Reyes's face from the Day of the Dead event at the Veterans Memorial Building.

Serena Bavraza is painting Lucy Reyes’ face at the Veterans Memorial Building.

In memory of Priscilla Jones.

A memory of Priscilla Jones. Photo by Adam Bell.

Alter for Marta Solori.

Nueva Carrizal's band is playing at the Day of the Dead. Photo by Adam Bell.

Nueva Carrizal’s band playing at the Veteran’s Memorial Building.

  • Kassandra Corted. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Kassandra Corteo. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • The kiddos are coloring at the Day of the Dead event. Photo by Adam Bell.
    The kiddos are coloring at the Day of the Dead event. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Abby Garcia is being creative. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Abby Garcia is being creative. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Creative of Day of the Dead. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Creative of Day of the Dead. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Santago Aviles is being Creative. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Santago Aviles is being Creative. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Cataleoga Muhoz is being creative. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Cataloga Muhoz is being creative. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Courtland Thompson. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Courtland Thompson. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Folkorico Cavisma Mexicana is dancing at the Day of the Dead. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Folkorico Cavisma Mexicana is dancing at the Day of the Dead. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • People are enjoying the event at the Veterans Memorial Building. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Participants enjoy the event at the Veterans Memorial Building. Photo by Adam Bell.

Sanchez said to learn more about Audacity Performing Arts or about the Altares Event, readers can go to the website or call (831) 537-6157

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I am a lifetime resident of Hollister and was born in San Jose. I have a passion for photography and reporting in San Benito County. Since 2019, I have been working for a successful non-profit, Growing...