“Embracing death gives more meaning to life. Embracing life gives more meaning to death.”

Peter Perez has taken on new lives and lifestyles throughout his existence. His first life was that of an immigrant’s son who used his artistic talents to buy a one-way ticket to New York after graduating from one of the country’s best art schools.

From fledgling artist growing up in an Anaheim barrio, to Madison Avenue superstar, Perez has now metamorphosed back to his cultural heritage to become a renown Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) creator and curator.

“The Day of the Dead celebration awakened deep personal roots that had been lost and forgotten,” said Perez. “Spanish, my first language, and a connection to my native culture, had been erased at an early age.”

Peter Perez ’57 was on campus for a recent celebration of the historic Anaheim vs. Downy CIF Championship game. He was on the LA Colliseum field as a yell leader.

Perez recently related his story to students at Anaheim High School, his alma mater. He told them about being renamed Peter from Pedro and being forbidden to speak Spanish. His story is especially relevant to Anaheim High’s performing arts students who see Perez, a Class of ’57 graduate, as someone from their own background who became a successful artist despite the odds.

“Be the best at what you do and success will come naturally,” he told the classroom of students who are staging a Nov. 5 Dia de los Muertos festival to raise funds for future productions.

Along with showing slides of his artwork (he is donating several pieces to the event’s silent auction), Perez shared the history of Dia del los Muertos and how he has used his art to make political statements, as well as a way to express loss in his own life.

The introduction of a City of Anaheim Day of the Dead celebration was, in fact, sparked by the death of his nephew, an Anaheim resident who died in a motorcycle accident in 2009. Initially not embraced by city officials, Perez persisted and, with the help of the Anaheim Heritage Council, Arts Council, Downtown Association and several volunteers, a new tradition was started that has evolved into celebrations being staged throughout Orange County.

For Perez, the opportunity to paint and explore the life of the dead has resulted in solo shows, group exhibits, and serving as a curator for fiestas, art and altar exhibitions for the largest Dia de los Muertos celebrations in the nation. He has also introduced the celebration to India and Australia. Most recent is his Dia de los Muertos installation at the Sonoma County Art Museum.

“The ancient cultures believed that you died three times, once when your body ceases to function, a second time when your spirit leaves your body, and the final most tragic death, when you’re forgotten,” said Perez. “Through my art and my involvement with Dia de los Muertos, my nephew and others I’ve embodied in ofrendas (altars) throughout the world will not be forgotten. Viva Los Muertos!”

What is Dia de los Muertos?

El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) has been celebrated for nearly 3000 years in Mexico, Central and South America. This observance honors those who have passed before us and keeps their memories alive. It is celebrated Nov. 1st and 2nd, All Souls and All Saints Days. It has evolved into a cross-cultural event, with traditional roots, that invites all to participate. Altars (ofrendas) are created and decorated with photos, food, drink, marigolds and the favorite things of the person being honored. For a more complete history, click here.