Dia de los Muertos festivities set for Nov. 2

Dia de los Muertos — a celebration honoring the dead — will once again be celebrated by Comision Honorifica Mexicana-Americana.

The celebration, slated to honor death and not fear or mock it, embraces death by honoring loved ones who have died by remembering them with altars, food, music, vibrant colors and painting faces to resemble skulls — the festivities’ most common design.

“It’s our eighth annual celebration,” said Grace Munoz-Rios, CHMA spokes person. “It’s part of our cultural awareness mission to share these type of celebrations with the community.”

Festivities will include altars, music, an Aztec prayer blessing and music for Baile de los esqueletos’ — ‘Dance of the Skeletons’ — provided by a disc jockey.

The altars are set up by individuals to commemorate or honor loved ones or others — martyrs or heroes — who have died. Each altar is individualized to represent the person, or group, being honored.

“Those who participate with the altars, in memory of someone dear to them, it helps them with the healing process,” Munoz-Rios said.

The celebration and meal will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., with the dance running through 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at the CHMA Community and Conference Center, 466 E. Putnam.

Tamales, Champurrado, a Mexican chocolate, and Pan del Muerto, a sweet bread, will be served.

Cost for the festivities is $5 a person and includes the meal and festivities.

To sign up to set up an altar or for more information, call Grace Munoz-Rios at 289-9381.