Unplanned experiences are always the best

By Jimena Zambrano

Culture has an endless meaning

On November 1, 2024, Spanish teachers Telma Cross and Luis Huerta took their students on a field trip to Placita Olivera to experience Hispanic culture on the Day of the Dead. 

Coincidentally, that same day, they also planned the Dodgers parade because they won the World Series in 2024. Millions of people came to support their baseball team; this happens once a year. 

The Day of the Dead is a day to remember people who have passed away, and mostly Hispanics celebrate that day because of their culture. They add a photo to remember the person and their favorite things they loved doing when they were still present. 

At Plactia Olvera, there was a spot to recognize all of those who played for the Dodgers with bouquets of blue flowers and pictures. Vendors were selling Dodgers merchandise, which students would buy to participate in the event, but everything was overpriced. 

Downtown Los Angeles was packed, and long lines were everywhere, even to use the restroom. Students also enjoyed it because most of the time they were looking around, as it was their first time experiencing something huge. 

Cross explained, “I was more worried than enjoying the field trip because there were many people. I had to be behind the students so that they would not get lost, and it was my responsibility if anything were to happen.” 

The whole team comes together to celebrate and meet their fans. This year, they also hosted a Dodger event at the stadium after the parade.  

Placita Olvera was decorated with yellow and orange to represent the Day of the Dead, and many people took photos to place them in certain places, which made it look beautiful and memorable. 

Freshman Marely Guadalupe Ramirez Franco stated, “It would've been more enjoyable if there were less people because I waited one hour to get seated and eat.”

The restaurants at Plactia Olvera had longer lines than usual, which caused people to get frustrated and leave the line. 

Senior Ashley Ramirez says, “I met amazing people during that field trip. The energy was uplifting and amazing. I've never experienced something like that before.” 

Many students who attended this field trip are Dodgers fans, and they were all glad they experienced their culture and the parade. 

People also gave out gift cards; most students received more than $5 of free food. Students were supposed to get a food stop after, but everyone was tired and wanted to go home instead. They were also exhausted because they had been surrounded by people all day and spent hours in traffic on the bus.

The traffic coming back to Rialto was really bad, especially for people coming out of work during that time. The bus left around 3:30 p.m. and lasted about three hours on the freeway. Students got back to Rialto almost at 9, which was late. 

That day was significant to people, and the two major events made a difference in today’s history.