The air was filled with the sounds of music and laughter during the 13th annual El Dia De Los Muertos Festival October 30 at San Bernardino Valley College. Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that celebrates loved ones who have died. Families put up altars, also known as ofrendas, to honor the deceased, and decorate them with photos, sugar skulls, marigolds, objects that the person loved in life.

About 250 community members and SBVC students and staff came out for the event, which included live music, dance performances, food, an exhibit in the Gresham Art Gallery, and a screening of the Disney movie Coco. Holding the event each year gives SBVC "a chance to share one aspect of our community's culture and allows for a positive cultural affirmation for many of our students and their families," history professor Ed Gomez said.