For the past two Novembers, Tony and Jenna Moreno have hosted a public Día de los Muertos celebration at their home.

It has become so popular that it will be presented in the Village Green this year.

“It is a joyous celebration of life and death, keeping the memory of past loved ones alive. Some believe the souls of the dead return to the world of the living to visit their families on this day,” Jenna explained.

Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, the festivities will kick off with a candlelit procession. The Village Green will be transformed into a graveyard, adorned with candles and flowers, and ofrendas (spiritual altars) to honor those who have passed. Anyone is invited to create an ofrenda with items for deceased loved ones, photos, mementos and more.

“Put up their picture and any ‘offerings’ you think they’d enjoy on this visit back to the earthly plane,” Jenna said. “Put out their favorite food, drink, anything. For example, my brother loved wine, so he got a fresh glass of wine next to his photo. The feeling is that of a wake. We create a trail of petals to help guide the spirits back home for the night.”

There will be food vendors, a place to share loved ones’ favorite foods, tamales, Mexican sweet bread, pan de muerto, cafe de olla and Mexican hot chocolate. The Morenos are hoping more businesses and organizations will set up a booth, and anyone is welcome to put together an ofrenda. To secure a spot, email tjdiadelosmuertos@yahoo.com.

For those who want to dress up, enter the Catrina (an elegantly dressed skeletal figure) costume contest. Jenna will sing a traditional Day of the Dead song, “La Llorona,” and a DJ will spin music for dancing.

“The idea is that death is a natural part of life, not an end but a celebration of the continuation of life,” Jenna said. “You don’t have to be Mexican to celebrate! Anyone can celebrate! Do you have someone you’d like to honor? Then join in.”

An ofrenda is a spiritual altar for loved ones who have passed.

Another ofrenda.