Victims’ families from the Uvalde shooting gathered at the Texas Capitol along with the Austin community on Nov. 1 to honor the lives of their children, and to celebrate the first day of Día de los Muertos, a traditional Latino holiday honoring the lives of loved ones who have passed away. 

“Remember all the kids’ names. That’s what’s really important,” the family of Eliana Garcia said.

The event began with speeches from the families of the children killed in the Uvalde massacre, describing their childrens’ favorite activities, sports and personalities as well as urging the audience to take action and vote for stricter gun legislation to prevent future tragedies. 

“Tessa was a fun-loving girl. She adored her older sister, Faith, and she loved softball and gymnastics. She loved making bracelets, and most of all, her favorite (team) was the Houston Astros,” Veronica Mata, daughter of Tessa Mata said. “We need change, and it needs to happen.”

The next part of the event was the Marcha de los Niños where the crowd marched from the steps of the Capitol to the front of the Governor’s Mansion, where the community ofrenda, or altar, was carried by family members while a crowd of citizens holding candles, offerings and marigolds followed. In front of the Governor’s Mansion, the crowd gathered to leave their offerings of flowers and stuffed toys for the children. A mariachi sang songs of love and life to the audience, and a priest and family members of the children gathered to pray.

“It’s an honoring of our children before anything else,” said Jazmin Cazares, sister of Jackie Cazares. “Of course, we’re fighting for accountability, justice, changing laws, changing governors, but before all of that, it’s about honoring our children”

Felicha Martinez, mother of Xavier Lopez, said the families will continue to fight and encourage citizens to vote to save their children’s lives and the lives of their future children and grandchildren.

“I want you to know that my sister was a fighter,” Cazares said. “She fought for her life for 77 minutes surrounded by her friends. When she was pulled out of the classroom, she was alive, but her little heart just couldn’t take it anymore. So we are going to fight as hard as Jackie did for the rest of our lives.”