Paradise Valley Community College’s annual Sugar Skull Workshop and Lecture has become a highly anticipated event in the community, offering a hands-on way to explore the artistic and cultural aspects of Día de los Muertos. The vibrant and engaging event honoring Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) was held at Buxton Library, drawing nearly 300 participants, ranging in age from 2 to 72 years old. More than 350 sugar skulls were decorated, many of which adorn the Día de los Muertos community altar at PVCC.
“I really love this Día de los Muertos activity,” said PVCC student Galilea Guzman. “I felt represented and happy that others are learning about my culture. Decorating the skulls was relaxing and a great way to take a break from my classes. Everything was set up beautifully, and I’ll definitely be back next year.”
Sugar skulls, or Calaveras, are a central symbol of Día de los Muertos celebrations, honoring deceased loved ones in a joyful way. Unlike somber memorials, this tradition, rooted in Mexican folklore, celebrates the lives of those who have passed. The decorated skulls represent the souls of the departed and remind us that death is a natural part of life. These skulls are often used as ‘ofrendas’ (offerings) on altars in homes and cemeteries. Their bright colors, intricate designs, and personalized details make each one unique, symbolizing the individuality of the person being honored.
“I am so grateful to continue coordinating this event, which blends creativity, culture, and community spirit while learning about this rich tradition,” said Dr. Sami Lange, chair of the Information Science Division at PVCC. Lange has been involved in organizing these events for nine years across California and Arizona.
In addition to decorating sugar skulls, participants were treated to a presentation on altar decorating and the history of this important tradition by guest speaker Carmen Cornejo. The workshop also featured collaborations across several departments on campus.
- Dr. Amina Simmons, executive director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, provided the grant to fund this event and collaborated on project management and marketing efforts.
- Professor Jim Sizemore's Engineering 103 class created the structure for a large orange arch, which was decorated with 1,600 handmade paper flowers by the Association of Hispanic and Latin American Students (AHLAS) Club, led by mentor Cynthia Rojas Rangel, and the Buxton Library team.
- The Ceramics Club contributed 3D-printed butterflies in PVCC’s colors of blue and white, while the AHLAS club also built the community altar.
“I am honored to help sponsor this fantastic learning opportunity for our students and local community,” added Simmons. “Carmen is a phenomenal historian and orator, and Dr. Lange and her team are unmatched in their dedication to hosting. Connecting AHLAS and our Engineering students with this annual endeavor further showcases our college commitment to creating lifelong, inspiring, educational relationships.
Freshman Kayla Diaz echoed these sentiments, saying, “This was such a fun and creative learning experience. I learned more about my culture, and it was a great way to destress. I loved it!”
“This program continues to build relationships across campus and supports students in learning more about the history of Día de los Muertos through our amazing speaker. I love being part of this tradition and am grateful each year to partner with students and faculty across campus to make it happen,” Lange said.