Thousands of people are expected to gather in Charlotte this Saturday to celebrate the Mexican holiday of Dia de Muertos. festivalThe exhibition, hosted by the Latin American Coalition and the Levine Museum of the New South, is now in its 20th year.

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, dates back hundreds of years to the Aztec people. The holiday honors the dead by showing that death is not the end of life, but a continuation of it.

“This is a celebration of life rather than a celebration of death,” said José Hernández-París, CEO of the Latin American Coalition. “We hope the community will come and join us and create community together.”

Dance, live music, poetry readings, Latin cuisine and catrinas parade. These are usually women dressed as skeletons.

The most important part of the Día de Muertos festival are the altars or ofrendas. They are filled with candles, food, photos, and memories of loved ones who have passed away. They serve to return the souls of loved ones to their families.

Día de Muertos festival It will take place on Saturday, November 2, from noon to 8 p.m. at Camp North End. It is free and open to participants of all ages.