Day of the Dead celebrated at Atlanta History Center

Things to Do

The Atlanta History Center's annual Dia de los Muertos -- 'Day of the Dead' -- festival was held Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008. The vivid display of Mexican heritage, food, music, storytelling, crafts and elaborately decorated altars were part of the day.

A paper mache "Alebrijes" (brightly-colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical animal-like creatures) greets those entering the celebration. Like Halloween, the holiday observed primarily in Mexico celebrates the spirit world, but its primary emphasis is on family gatherings to remember departed loved ones.

Eduardo Bouchez Toriz, with the Folkloric Mexican Ballet of the State of Veracruz, performs a pre-Hispanic ceremonial dance to praise the Gods.

Erika Gwendoline Cruz, center, with the Folkloric Mexican Ballet of the State of Veracruz, performs a Mexican Revolution dance.

Oralia Perez, 12, and Jesus Perez, 8, enjoy the folk dancers at the History Center festival. They live in Marietta.

Derek Del Rio of Dunwoody enjoys an 'Elotes,' a corn cob on a stick with butter and cheese, part of the food available at the festival.

Day of the Dead bread, shaped as a cross with bones, is made from flour and sugar. Francisco Duran and his son Manuel of Alpharetta, brought the pastries to help people learn Mexican traditions.

Kathryn Reynolds, 2, of Austell takes a nap during the festival.

This is one of the displays of a decorated altar in the altar contest. Highly decorated and personal, they help the spirit carry on after death. This one, by Maria Guadalupe Cruz, celebrates her sister, Helda Cruz, from the State of Michoacan, Mexico.

1/9

Today's Gallery Headlines

Region 5AA Championship : Holy Innocents vs. KIPP Atlanta

PHOTOS: Holy Innocents’ wins Region 5AA championship in basketball

aajc 021926 state vs. georgia southern hoops

PHOTOS: Georgia State gets by Georgia Southern

Trump visits North Georgia today but has eyes on Atlanta

PHOTOS: Trump visits Georgia, revisits 2020 election

PHOTOS: Georgia track and field gets major facilities upgrade

More Galleries

PHOTOS: The Weeknd electrifies the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz stadium

PHOTOS: Beyonce fans saddle up for 4-day Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

PHOTOS: Beyoncé fans arrive for 4-night Atlanta Cowboy Carter Tour stop

College Park Juneteenth Parade standalone photo

PHOTOS: Juneteenth Parade held in College Park

Alerts