Dia de los Muertos returns to roots

Birmingham’s Dia de Los Muertos Festival is returning for its 15th year this month.

The event, which is put on by 501(c)(3) nonprofit Bare Hands Gallery, will be in the streets of Pepper Place on Thursday, Nov. 2, from 4-10 p.m. The event started in 2003 as a time of remembrance for Birmingham photojournalist Spider Martin.

On Nov. 2, 2003, less than 100 people gathered at Bare Hands Gallery to honor Martin in a Day of the Dead-inspired art memorial, called an ofrenda — an altar with mementos, photos and other items representing the departed. The event has since continued to grow, and about 6,500 people came to the 2016 event.

“For me, it’s the most beautiful festival that happens in Birmingham all year,” said Matt Layne, an organizer of the event. 

Last year, the event took place at Cahaba Brewing Company, but this year’s festival will return to its roots by moving back into an open space, Hontzas said. 

The festival will spread throughout 29th Street South and Second Avenue South in Pepper Place, with food and beer vendors, ofrendas, a kid’s area and live music from Conjunto Los Pinkys with guest Grammy award winner Flaco Jimenez.

Tickets are $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for ages 7-12 and free for ages 6 and younger. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For tickets, information on setting up an altar or other details, go to barehandsinc.org.