"Day of Dead" celebrates lives

Celebrate ancestors and departed loved ones in the ancient traditions of Dia de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, Saturday at Seattle Center.

Observed in Mexico and Latin America on Nov. 1 and 2 with festive rituals that recall ancestors and deceased loved ones, Dia de Muertos infuses humor and joy into honoring the cycle of life and death. The event includes the traditional holiday display of personal altars decorated with food, flowers and mementos of accomplishments and favorite activities of deceased family and friends, created by individuals and local Latino community organizations.

People of all cultures are invited to share in the music, dance, theater, art displays, lectures, food and children's activities including an all-ages activity to make a tissue-paper marigold, the traditional Day of the Dead flower, to put on a community altar or take home in honor of your own relatives. A special altar created by local artists honors the victims of Hurricane Katrina and welcomes remembrance donations of flowers or candles. For more information, call 206-684-7200.

Tacoma Art Museum's celebration of Dia de Muertos starts this weekend with installation of community altars Saturday and Sunday. The altars will be on display through Nov. 6, when the museum hosts a community event with traditional dance and music, art-making activities and an art display. For more information, call Tacoma Art Museum, 253-272-4258.

— Madeline McKenzie, Seattle Times staff