Courtesy photo A woman who attended the Day of the Dead celebration in downtown Alpena poses for a photo at last year's event. This year's event is on Saturday.

Alpena – This Saturday, Downtown Alpena will be hosting its second-annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration with Mango’s Tequila Bar. The event will take place from 4-9 p.m. on November 1st with live music, kids crafts, ofrendas on display, and La Catrina costume contest. All activities take place in the center alley between 2nd and 3rd Ave. near the back entrance to Mango’s and are open to all ages.

“We were blown away with the positive response and participation at last year’s inaugural event,” said DDA Executive Director Anne Gentry. “We had attendees travel from all over the state, since we are the only Dia de los Muertos event in Northern Michigan. We had over fifty entries in our costume contest, which were all incredibly detailed and creative. We can’t wait to see everyone again this year to join us in an evening of music, celebration, and remembrance.”

The activities begin at 4 pm in the Center Alley. There will be a Dia de los Muertos coloring sheet for kids, as well as a mask craft, both designed by artist Elisa Chavarri. Face-painters will be available for both adults and kids.

Between 4-5 pm, attendees can check in for the Catrina costume contest near the back entrance to Mango’s. La Catrina is one of the most widely recognizable symbols of Dia de Los Muertos. Women across the world paint their faces in colorful make-up and dress with elegant outfits evoking the famous symbolic skeleton. Judging will happen at 5 pm after participants parade through the alleyway to compete for:

Best Group (2 or more)- $250 Mango’s gift certificate & $250 Downtown Dollars

Best Individual- $100 Mango’s gift certificate & $100 Downtown Dollars

Best Kids Costume- $50 Mango’s gift certificate & $50 Downtown Dollars

After the costume contest is complete, attendees can enjoy live music from Mariachi de Jalisco de Detroit in the alleyway until 9 pm. In case of inclement weather, the band will perform inside Mango’s.

Over the course of the evening, ofrendas will be on display in the alleyway. Ofrendas are elaborately decorated altars that are central to Day of the Dead, adorned with offerings that are meaningful and symbolic to welcome the lives of those dearly departed back to the earthly realm. Vote for your favorite on Downtown Alpena’s Facebook page on Saturday & Sunday, and Neighborhood Provisions will provide $250 cash prize to the winner.

“Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a traditional holiday in Mexico where we celebrate and remember our loved ones who have passed on,” shared Mango’s owner Arturo Mendez. “It is a time where we can gather with our families and share stories and memories of those no longer with us and allow them back into our homes. We do this by connecting the lands of the living and dead and set up altars in our home, called ofrendas, that are filled with many things including favorite foods and items of our ancestors. We are beyond grateful and overjoyed to bring these traditions of our culture to our amazing community. We cannot wait to share this holiday with you all!”