Check out our first ever digital Dia de los Muertos altar

Dia de los Muertos is upon us, and this year The News Tribune set out to create a communal space to celebrate and honor our readers’ loved ones who have passed away.

Dia de los Muertos is a lively and colorful celebration that originated in Mexico but has made its way to many parts of the United States, including Washington state. For most Americans, the death of a loved one is associated with sadness and grief, but for many Latinos, Dia de los Muertos is an undermining of that expectation.

Día de los Muertosor the Day of the Dead, is a traditional and indigenous celebration that honors and welcomes those who have died back to the physical world between October 27 and November 2.

The celebration begins on October 27, when beloved pets who have passed on return to visit for 24 hours. The celebration continues on November 1 and November 2. The first day of November is known as All Saints’ Day, when the souls of deceased children can join their families. On the second day, the adults’ spirits rejoin their families for 24 hours.

News Tribune’s First Digital Dia de los Muertos Altar

We invited readers to share names and photos of relatives, friends and/or pets along with a message or memory.

We received several submissions in both Spanish and English. We invite you to click through our digital offerings (above) to read the messages loved ones have sent.