Woman in a flower-adorned hat and beaded necklace holds a toddler at a nighttime festival with lit decorations — Did you make it out to Día de Los Muertos at Sloss Furnaces? (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

On Monday, November 3, Birmingham came together to celebrate Día de Los Muertos at Sloss Furnaces. Presented by local arts nonprofit Bare Hands Inc., the beloved annual festival brought art, music, culture and community together in a celebration with something for all ages.

From colorful ofrendas (memorial altars) to traditional dance, live music and food vendors, here are a few of our favorites sights and scenes from the 24th annual Día de Los Muertos at Sloss Furnaces.

What is Día de los Muertos at Sloss Furnaces?

Woman in Dia de los Muertos sugar skull makeup wearing an elaborate floral and skull headdress with a pink satin jacket and colorful beaded necklace — Festivalgoers show off their creative Día de Los Muertos costumes. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Two women in elaborate Dia de los Muertos makeup and costumes, one wearing a skeleton crown and holding red roses, the other in a large cactus and marigold headdress with a sacred heart emblem — Festivalgoers show off their creative Día de Los Muertos costumes. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Día de Los Muertos—Day of the Dead—is a beloved Mexican tradition meant to celebrate and remember loved ones who are no longer with us. Celebrated on the first and second of November, Día de Los Muertos is a way for families and communities to honor the memories of the deceased through colorfully decorated ofrendas, flowers, dance, song and other meaningful offerings.

Hosted annually by local arts nonprofit Bare Hands, Inc. since 2003, Día de Los Muertos at Sloss Furnaces is a vibrant, community-centered experience full of celebration and tradition, including:

Free art activities
Live music and traditional dancing
An Artist Market featuring handmade masks, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, glasswork
Authentic Latin food
A memorial roll call and a New Orleans-style jazz funeral procession
Ofrendas created in remembrance of lost loved ones

“Día de los Muertos Número 24 was a beautiful reminder of what makes this celebration so special: people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to honor loved ones, celebrate Mexican culture, and find connection through art, music, and shared memories. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us and to the artists, volunteers, sponsors, and families who poured their hearts into this year’s festival. For Bare Hands, carrying this tradition forward is both a joy and a privilege.”
Aimee Castro, Executive Director, Bare Hands, Inc.