Sunday, November 1, 2015
The day after Halloween one would think all of the skeletons and celebrations would be over. But you would be wrong. November 1st is known as Dia de Muertos or the Day of the Dead. Steeped in Hispanic history, the Day of the Dead celebrates friends and family who are no longer living.
If you were in Mexico or South America you might spend the day in the cemetery laying out flowers, pictures and food to remember your loved one. I’ve actually been in South America and have seen families sitting on and next to grave stones having lunch, playing music and celebrating those that are dearly departed.
The Atlanta History Center celebrates the day each year with performances, food, music and more. I got the chance to hang out on Sunday to capture some of the celebration and partake in remembering those in my family that are no longer with me.
David Cervantes (left) cooks ground beef during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Melanie Flores (left) and her sister Mia eat tamales during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Tuari Pineda looks through red tinted glasses as he checks out artwork displayed during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Evan Lopez (left), Silvana Lopez-Ramirez, Lily Ramirez and Carols Lopez Jr. look through red tinted glasses as they check out artwork displayed during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Jay Roby (left) explains the candles, food, pictures and other decorations to his son Ryan during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Decorated skulls, flowers, fruit, food, photos and other decorations are displayed during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Ryan Wingfield sits in front of one of the dispalys during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Robbin Roling (left) paints Linda Ibarra’s face during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Jose Martinez (center) plays with a traditional balero during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Lucia Lev (left) has her makeup touched up before dancing on stage during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Kaylee Milani (left) dances with Cydney Caarrubias during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Lilly Milani (left) and her sister Kaylee dance on stage during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Leidie Denisse Canizalez-Perez (center) takes photos of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as they perform during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Hilda Levi (left) dances with Cydney Caarrubias during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Cydney Caarrubias (center) and Hilda Lev perform on stage as other dancers watch from backstage during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Lilly Milani (left) and her sister Elahe (right) dance during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Lucia Lev (center) dances on stage during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Kaylee Milani (left) dances with Cydney Caarrubias during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Evan Wright smiles as he looks back at his mother while members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra perform during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
Juan Ramirez (center) plays the guitar as he performs on stage with members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra during the Dia De Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Festival at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday, November 1, 2015.