Day of the Dead altars

Alters are one way to celebrate one who has died.

Tacoma-based Latino youth and family support organization Centro Latino has joined forces with the Tacoma Art Museum for the third year running to celebrate The Day of the Dead. Local observance of the popular Latin American tradition began Oct. 9, and is set to culminate in a free public community celebration Nov. 4.   

Day of the Dead, a centuries-old tradition, traces its roots to the Aztec, Maya and other ancient Central American societies. In modern times, the tradition is observed in Mexico and other Latin American communities on Nov. 1 and 2 (All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day), when the lives of relatives and friends who have died are remembered and honored. Since traditional belief views death as a continuation rather than the end of life, the Day of the Dead is a time of joyful celebration, not of mourning.

A special weekend of live events kicks off Oct. 20 with artist Fulgencio Lazo’s creation of a “tapete” sand painting in the first floor lobby, followed by installation of family and community altars that will extend to Sunday, Oct. 21. The altars will feature a mix of food and drink offerings, flowers and candles, and figurines, as well as examples of Day of the Dead sugar skeletons.   

Visitors to TAM will also be able to view art work representing submissions by local students in grades six through 12 until the end of the celebration, which concludes Nov. 4, noon to 5 p.m., with the TAM-hosted Day of the Dead community festival. During the two-week celebration, museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thursdays until 8 p.m.) and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for students/military/seniors. — Bill Timnick

[Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., 253.272.4258]