The PatiÑo's
It Began with a classroom
"No one, no one, can make me not honor my parents. I refuse."
Those words, spoken with defiant grace by Eva Patiño, encapsulate the very essence of why she began teaching Día de los Muertos workshops in her Spanish classroom. For her, it wasn’t just about tradition—it was about education surrounding cultural capital and about making room for stories that so often went untold. It all started with a simple yet profound realization: if she could teach her students the beauty of this culture, she could encourage them to be proud of their own cultures as well.
Inspired by Joaquín, her husband and an Arts and Crafts teacher who had long brought cultural practices into his classroom, Eva decided to weave the threads of heritage into her own lessons. "I wanted my students to be proud of who they are, where they come from," she said, "and to see the beauty in their culture—the art, the history, the resilience."
But it wasn’t just about teaching her students. She saw an opportunity to share this knowledge with fellow Spanish Language educators, creating workshops that showed teachers how to integrate Día de los Muertos into their own curriculums. This wasn’t without pushback. Some community members voiced their concerns however, Eva's principal supported her and saw how her lessons fit into the curriculum. She also explained that these workshops were not just cultural—they were essential to the educational experience, connecting the Spanish language to the history, artistry, and deep cultural roots of México.
Her workshops grew not just from books, but from journeys. She sought out stories and practices from México, diving into the layers of Indigenous and colonial history that shaped the holiday. Eva taught her students that Día de los Muertos was born from the Mexica practice of honoring the dead—an Indigenous tradition that survived Spanish colonization by adapting sugar art brought from Europe. For her, this history wasn’t just a lesson; it was a reminder of cultural sovereignty.
Our Story
"I was scared, but not scared enough to stop sharing my culture," said Eva. "I felt in my being that this was right, that this was ok for me to do."
Her lessons became more than educational; they were transformative. They gave students, many from immigrant families, a chance to see their ancestors celebrated and their heritage validated, regardless of which culture they came from. For Eva, those workshops were a lifeline between generations, a way to honor her own parents’ struggles in the agricultural fields and to inspire her students to rise beyond them.
She tells her family often, "Our history deserves to be told. It’s up to us to share our culture and be welcoming of others." And now, three generations of our family continue giving our sugar-skull workshops.
As word of Eva’s workshops spread, they became more than a classroom tradition—they sparked an interest. Other educators, inspired by her dedication to cultural education, began reaching out to learn how to bring the workshops to their own schools.
Soon museums, community organizations, and cultural centers were contacting us, eager to incorporate Eva’s vibrant approach to Día de los Muertos into their programming. What began as a deeply personal endeavor in a single Spanish classroom grew into a shared celebration that connected communities, bridged generations, and fostered a wider appreciation for the richness of Latinx and Indigenous traditions and art.
Digiorgio In-Service Workshop 2021
Soon, other educational professionals wanted us to give our workshops at their schools.
At Calaveras Con Cariño, we offer dynamic workshops that explore the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos. Our hands-on activities foster acknowledgment, education, and celebration of cultural heritage, providing a meaningful and engaging experience for participants of all ages and backgrounds.
Our Mission
We value culture and diversity and sharing a part of our culture with you in the name of education is the hope of Calaveras con Cariño. Our workshops are a celebration of that diversity, and we strive to create environments where everyone can feel seen, respected, and appreciated.
We value culture and diversity.
what we value
Calaveras Con Cariño was founded to create space where cultural traditions and education could grow hand-in-hand. By integrating cultural practices into learning environments, we champion the idea that every student deserves to see their heritage reflected in their education. We believe in breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and making education accessible for all.
We believe in accessible education for every child and adult.
what we believe
Our family presents at organizations, museums, schools and universities, as well as community events. These workshops encourage an awareness and understanding of cultural traditions which aim to inspire inclusivity and respect in every space we serve.
We give workshops on Día de Los Muertos to promote education and diversity.
what we do
about the founders
Hola, soy Eva Patiño
Hello, I'm Joaquín Patiño
Chicano couple
Retired Arts and Crafts teacher of 45 years, Chicano activist, and pioneering grandfather
Joaquin Patino is a retired Arts and Crafts teacher of 45 years, Chicano activist, and wonderful grandfather
Eva Patiño was born under a tree in Donna, Texas to farm-working Mexican-Indigenous immigrants who persevered and made a life here in the U.S. She became the first in her family to attend college, became a spirited Spanish teacher, and incorporated traditions like Día de Los Muertos into her teaching. She began introducing these lessons to her students and later organizing workshops to share with other teachers. Language encompasses history and art, so she brought this into her curriculum. Despite facing criticism at first from those who misunderstood the holiday and therefore feared the cultural tradition of Día de Los Muertos, Eva stood continued to share what it was about. This encapsulates her deep respect for teaching and unwavering belief in the importance of sharing cultural knowledge.
Joaquín Patiño, an arts and crafts teacher, believed in the transformative strength of cultural pride. In his classroom, he celebrated the beauty of his students' backgrounds, helping them connect with their roots and recognize their own stories' value. He nurtured a space where creativity met identity, ensuring that every child saw their culture reflected in the art they created and studied. Outside the classroom, Joaquín extended this passion into his own cultural crafts business, "Crafts by Amistad," where he designed and sold Chicano and cultural art. His sold his work at many cultural festivals, including the renowned Chicano Park in San Diego, CA, where he proudly shared his creations amidst a vibrant community celebrating their shared heritage.
Eva Patino is a retired Spanish teacher of 40 years, maker of tamales, and loving grandmother
Eva Patiño is a retired Spanish teacher of 40 years, Chicana activist, and inspiring grandmother
Eva and Joaquin Patino
Felisa Patiño-Longoria is a distinguished educator, cultural scholar, and advocate for bilingual and multicultural education. With over three decades of service in California’s Central Valley, she has devoted her career to celebrating cultural diversity, preserving heritage, and empowering future generations. Recently earning her Doctorate in Educational Lead-ership, she embodies the transformative power of education and cultural identity.
Currently, as a District Academy Specialist for Bakersfield City School District’s Extended Learn-ing Program, Dr. Patiño-Longoria creates interdisciplinary curricula emphasizing STEAM and the arts. Her workshops in Mexican folk dance and the history of Día de Los Muertos have enriched countless students and educators, cele-brating the resilience and vibrancy of Indigenous and Latinx traditions.
Felisa Patiño-Longoria is a distinguished educator, cultural scholar, and advocate for bilingual and multicultural education. With over three decades of service in California’s Central Valley, she has devoted her career to celebrating cultural diversity, preserving heritage, and empowering future generations. Recently earning her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she embodies the transformative power of education and cultural identity.
Currently, as a District Academy Specialist for Bakersfield City School District’s Extended Learning Program, Dr. Patiño-Longoria creates interdisciplinary STEAM curricula emphasizing the arts while also teaching folklórico in the after-school program. Her workshops in Mexican folk dance and the history of Día de Los Muertos have enriched countless students and educators, celebrating the resilience and vibrancy of Indigenous and Latinx traditions.
Extended Learning Program: District Specialist
Dr. Felisa Patiño-Longoria
Eva and Joaquín Patiño shared a life deeply rooted in culture, education, and resilience. Their journey intertwined as a testament to the power of honoring heritage while inspiring the next generation. Together, their legacy is one of resilience and love for their heritage. They not only preserved traditions but also ensured their significance was passed down. They taught their family that culture is not static; it’s a living, breathing part of who we are, evolving through storytelling, education, and pride. Their home is a sanctuary of memory and inspiration, where conversations often turn into lessons, and every celebration becomes a reminder of the strength drawn from knowing and honoring where you come from.
Spanish and Arts & Crafts Teachers
Eva and Joaquín Patiño
The Patiño's
Meet the Team
Alondra, daughter of Felisa, is a freelance Sign Language Interpreter. She received her Bachelor's degree and graduated top of her class from Fresno State. She now works in the Education field. She is trilingual; fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language and is passionate about providing equitable language access to underrepresented populations.
Folklórico dancer and lover of music, she'll listen to just about anything and her hobbies include painting, photography, playing video games, and singing. Always one to make others laugh, Alondra is radiant with her gifts.
Sign Language Interpreter
Alondra Patiño-Guadarrama
Daughter of Felisa, Citlalli Luna is now working on her M.A Thesis surrounding Indigenous Litera-tures and Ethical Criticisms, has served as a professor of Rhetorical Arts, and has been a dedicated advocate for cultural preservation and intergenerational storytelling. Rooted in her upbringing in California's Central Valley, she draws from a rich heritage of Mexican, Mexica, and Purépecha traditions, championing the resilience and beauty of Latinx-Indigenous epistemologies. Through her academic work and creative projects, she explores themes of mestizaje, identity, and resistance to colonial frameworks, often inspired by her grand-mother's teachings and the vibrant practices of Día de los Muertos.
Her scholarly pursuits are ground-ed in a decolonial framework, emphasizing the validity of oral histories and non-Western ways of knowing. As a writer, educator, and cultural storyteller, Citlalli works to create spaces where diverse voices thrive and communities find empowerment in their narratives. Whether teaching, writing, or building digital platforms like the Calaveras Con Cariño website, she remains committed to celebrating cultural authenticity and fostering connections across generations and geographies.
Daughter of Felisa, Citlalli received her M.A in English Literature from Loyola Marymount University surrounding Indigenous Literatures and Ethical Criticisms. She has been a professor of Rhetorical Arts at LMU through her Teaching Fellowship at LMU and now is an Adjunct Professor for the Kern Community College District. Through her academic work and creative projects, she explores themes of mestizaje, identity, and resistance to colonial frameworks, often inspired by her grandmother's teachings and the vibrant practices of Día de los Muertos.
As a writer, educator, and web designer, Citlalli works to create spaces where diverse voices thrive and communities find empowerment in their narratives. Whether teaching, writing, or building digital platforms like the Calaveras Con Cariño website, she remains committed to celebrating cultural authenticity and fostering connections across generations and geographies.
Adjuct Professor & Web Designer
