The Day of the Dead is celebrated from November 1 through 2 every year and Seattle is diving in with a festival to celebrate. 

The Day of the Dead, also known as El Día de los Muertos, is a holiday celebrated to honor those who have passed away with an altar full of objects in remembrance of their lives. 

An altar, also known as an ofrenda, is laid out with objects such as: marigold flowers, photos, the spirits favorite food, candles, and so much more. The altar is a warm welcome for the spirits to find their way back home. 

November 1 honors the spirits of children, Día de los Angelitos, November 2 honors spirits of adults, Día de los Difuntos, and at noon on November 2 is in honor of the spirits of all dead, Día de los Muertos.

Seattle is hosting a Catrina’s festival from October 26 through November 2 at the Club Sur. 

The Catrina’s festival said they will allow guests to bring in items to place on an altar. The public may bring flowers, candles, photos, or objects of loved ones to place on a decorated altar there, the festival said. 

Catrina’s festival said it will also include live music, dance performances, and activities throughout the event.

There will be live music of Mariachi, traditional Aztec/Mayan dance performances, and Mexican charros. 

Activities will consist of Calavera face painting, children’s workshops, contests, art, food, and culture from 1-9 p.m. Club Sur will also have concerts going on after 9 p.m. with a separate ticket needed.

Every day of the event there will also be a candle session and live music parade. 

The candle session and live music parade will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. found at South Forest Street and Utah Avenue South. 

For more information on the addresses, times, and dates of Catrina’s festival you may click here: Catrina’s festival.

Tickets for the festival will cost $20, but they do not count towards concerts after 9 p.m. To buy tickets you may click here: Catrina’s festival tickets. 

Day of the Dead is often celebrated by families in more intimate settings as well, not just at big events.

Highline student Melany Velasco celebrates Day of the Dead in honor of her great-grandfather with an ofrendo, food, music, and more. 

Velasco mentioned how her great-grandfather enjoyed music and singing. 

“He loved singing and dancing, especially to the kids [and] we’d dance along,” she said. “[I’ll] play some of his songs he would listen to [and] show off his culture in some way.” 

Velasco also mentioned how she honored her miscarried sibling for the day of the dead. 

“My mom had a miscarriage [and I] put an ultrasound of my deceased brother and a stuffed animal,” she said. 

Velasco also mentioned some things she would do for the Day of the Dead like making mole, pan dulce, and talking about the good and tough times with her great-grandfather next to the altar.

Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos is a separate holiday, unconnected to Halloween. One that honors the lives of the deceased through a celebration of their favorite objects, food, and pictures.