Day of the Dead event in El Centro

Over five hundred people went to this year’s El Centro Dia de los Muertos -Day of the Dead – event on Wednesday evening. This is a Mexican tradition with altars, food, music and art coming together to honor loved ones who have passed on. Local artists made face paintings and art works during the event. An altar contest gave prizes to those who were most creative in honoring the dead.

Organizers said the event showed the rich diversity in Imperial Valley and how the event brings all people together, not just Mexican-Americans.

“Celebrating who we are as a Mexican people. Celebrating who we are with everyone not just Mexican people but everyone in the community is enjoying it. If you see the people here, it’s from across all races – it’s from across all peoples. So, this is really a community event for Imperial Valley not just Latinos,” El Centro City Council Member Efrain Silva said.