On Nov. 2, an evening of color, remembrance and celebration will commence, augmented by music, dancing, food and activities. Courtesy photo

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The Gridley community welcomes back the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration for its fifth consecutive year.

On Nov. 2, an evening of color, remembrance and celebration will commence, augmented by music, dancing, food and activities.

On Dia de los Muertos, a traditional Mexican holiday, families gather to pay respects to their deceased loved ones, putting their image up on an offerenda, or small altar dedicated to the deceased, leaving flowers, meaningful items and/or foods.

Many people dress in skeletal garb and paint their faces to look like skulls, which is referred to as “Catrina” style dressing, also done to honor the deceased and pay homage to them during the holiday.

The community is invited to come out and participate in this event. An offerenda will be set up at the Daddow Park Gazebo for those that would like to put up a photo of their loved one. In addition, dancers will entertain, including groups from Barefoot Dance Co. in Gridley. Children and adults are encouraged to wear Catrina costume and participate in a Catrina Costume Contest that will be held at the event.

Angel Caldarone, one of the original organizers that brought the festival to the community, says that all are invited and the Gridley Dia de los Muertos celebration hopes to bridge cultural divides withing the community, while fostering support for those who have suffered loss.

The festival will be held in Daddow Park in downtown Gridley, Sunday Nov. 2, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.