The BC DREAMer’s hosted a free Sugar Skull Workshop at Bakersfield College on Oct. 13, in hopes of BC students and their families making a connection with Mexican culture.

The event was created by Manuel Rosas, EOP&S Counselor who invited all of our dreamers to come out and join other fellow BC students. This workshop was possible due to donations from local businesses and shops.

The workshop was held at 3:30 p.m. at the SS151 room right next to the EOPS and Financial Aid Office.

Rosas introduced the Patino family, and mentioned that they come from a long line of educators. He also added that they are a culturally rich family. Eva Patino, started making Sugar Skulls in the classroom.

Patino mentioned that she was introduced to them when she received her education and then brought her skills into the classroom. She and her family now do workshops related to Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Mexican culture.

The Patino family taught everyone how to make Sugar Skulls by giving students step by step instructions from a traditional Sugar Skull recipe, including hands on experience with the help of members of the family.

Students and children were also able to choose from skulls that were already prepared. There was a choice between three different types of skulls to decorate with a various selection of icing colors. In addition, decorations were given to place on the skulls and pictures were nearby to be used for inspiration while decorating.

Eva Patino added her perspective on how Sugar Skulls have impacted her past students in the classroom.

“The parents were seeing an interest in the young people, which are my students, whether it was about their aunts or their uncles,” Eva Patino said.

She added that doing Sugar Skulls in the classroom started conversations at home for her students, and they were more interested about their culture.

Alondra Guadarrama, Granddaughter of Eva Patino, also mentioned why Sugar Skulls are important to her.

“Personally, it is important just because it’s a tradition in our family, and some other families might not do it and that’s fine, but we like to teach it to people who want to learn it,” Guadarrama said.

She added that making Sugar Skulls are relatively easy if you follow directions and it takes a lot of practice to perfect the skill.

The next Sugar Skull Workshop will be outdoors on Oct. 28 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on 2101 16th St. here in Bakersfield. You can RSVP by texting 661-204- 4339.