Dia De Los Muertos Altars Look To Honor Latino Service Members

AUSTIN, TX — To commemorate Dia de los Muertos, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and the Austin Veteran Arts Festival invites the community to submit applications to build a Day of the Dead alter in memory of deceased Latino service members and veterans.

Applicants can find submission information, guidelines, and application at Austin Veteran Arts Festival Austin Veteran Arts Festival website. Traditional and non-traditional altars are welcome, however, space is limited and participants are encouraged to submit their applications early. This year, Dia de los Muertos is scheduled to be celebrated Thursday, October 31, 2019 through Saturday, November 2, 2019.

Dia de los Muertos -- or Day of the Dead -- is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and by those of Mexican heritage throughout the world. The holiday occurs over the course of several days, and invites friends and family of loved ones to gather and take time to celebrate the life of the deceased. Dating back hundreds of years, Dia de los Muertos is a solemn occasion intended to be celebrated in a joyful manner in remembrance of those who are loved but no longer living.