DES MOINES, Iowa — This year Des Moines celebrated Day of the Dead or Día de Los Muertos a little early, hundreds gathered for the 24th Annual Day of the Dead event at the Des Moines Art Center.

Some Mexican cultures believe that during the Day of the Dead souls return to enjoy earthly pleasures and reconnect with their families. Families honor their dead by assembling alters with photographs, flowers, food, candles, and other symbolic items. Día de Los Muertos offers healing, joy, and connection, honoring the belief that “what we remember, lives.”

“I think it’s a really important, really healing holiday. I think that when people learn about it and experience it, it touches everyone because we all experience loss and the traditions of it are really, really powerful and so communal. I think that’s something that people, people grieve individually too often, and when we can come together and share that, it’s an incredible experience,” said Mia Buch, an organizer of the event.

Young artists from Al Éxito, artist Siricasso, and Dawn Martinez Oropeza worked together to create a special ofrenda this year. Al Éxito is a nonprofit that works with Latinx youth to accelerate academic achievement and leadership capacity to thrive in Iowa communities. The theme for this year’s ofrenda was Jóvenes de la Flama Eterna (Youth of the Eternal Flame), honoring the youth of our community who are lost to soon.

“Al Éxito is grateful to the Des Moines Art Center for uplifting a vision of our young artists and supporting healing for the families who are grieving the loss of a child. It is an honor to create a space for celebrating the beauty and joy of their lives,” said Dawn Martinez Oropeza Executive Director of Al Exito.

Visitors were able to enjoy hands-on art projects, authentic foods, and live music. Samples of pan de los muertos, a traditional bread of the dead, was available for people to taste. A new addition this year was a Catrina costume contest.