Members of the Monterey Park community honored their loved ones with a community altar on display at the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library from October 11 until November 1.

Dia de los Muertos is an annual tradition to remember and celebrate family and friends who have passed away.

Families create altars ofrendas (offerings) to honor them. They are decorated with bright yellow marigolds flowers, pictures of their loved ones, their favorite foods, their favorite drinks,  sometimes with their favorite music, their favorite movies and more.

The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell the food and join the celebrations.