Day of the Dead is a festive time to honor deceased relatives, satirize the living and entice the spirits to visit with flower-decked altars and offerings of food.

The Festival of Souls is one of Mexico’s most distinctive holidays and is considered a day of cheerful celebration rather than mourning. In keeping with that spirit, the Latin American Coalition and the Levine Museum of the New South present a free day of fun for the whole family with traditional foods, folkloric dances, cultural arts & crafts, bilingual storytelling and children’s activities. New this year is a community altar-building contest with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. Participants will engage in the meaningful and creative work of constructing these centerpieces, and event-goers will vote on their favorite altar.

For more information about the Latin American Coalition, programs and services call 704-531-3848 or go to www.latinamericancoalition.org.