PHOENIX — The Day of the Dead, or el Dia de los Muertos, is a time to honor lost loved ones and celebrate the beautiful memories they've left behind.
South Mountain Community College invited the community to their annual festival to share in all the joy and remembrance. The Mexican holiday features a community altar or ofrenda, food and traditional face painting, just as part of the celebrations.
Those who take part in organizing the event like Kassandra Alvarez said this is a special time to reflect on those closest to us.
"This is our second year for the event and it's special to have the greater south Phoenix community come out and reflect and remember those who were so close to them," Alvarez explained.
The event showcased live art including paintings, mariachi music and food.
"We have Mexico Sin Escalas performing and Junior Toltecatl doing live art that will be auctioned off!" Alvarez added.
Lucero Curiel Martinez, the manager of student life and leadership, said it's all about bringing in our community and celebrating the lives of our loved ones together.
"This event is run by our students to celebrate the Day of the Dead, including our pets who have passed," Curiel Martinez added.
The photos displayed at the alter on campus are those of student's and staff's loved ones who have since passed, but their memory lives on.
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