Cozying up with the departed.

Photo by Dave Gibson

A cross on the forehead of this skull reflects the holiday's Catholic influence.

Photo by Dave Gibson

A young folkloric dancer.

Photo by Dave Gibson

An elaborate headdress.

Photo by Dave Gibson

A Mesoamerican tradition.

Photo by Dave Gibson

Remembering those that have passed.

Photo by Dave Gibson

Marigolds are thought to attract the dead.

Photo by Dave Gibson

A vaquera.

Photo by Dave Gibson

This girl dressed for the occasion.

Photo by Dave Gibson

Half and half.

Photo by Dave Gibson

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LONGMONT — Believed to trace its roots to ancient Aztec, Maya, and Toltec civilizations, Día de los Muertos combines Mesoamerican and Spanish Catholic influences, paying respects to departed friends and family members. Widely observed in Mexico, Central America, and South America between October 31 and November 2, Day of the Dead draws over 250,000 people in Mexico City. The event is much smaller in Longmont, Colorado, and was held on Saturday, October 24 this year.

Rather than a time of mourning, Día de los Muertos celebrates the lives of those that have passed. Ofrendas (altars) are built in homes displaying photos of their loved ones, memorabilia, and food or drinks that they enjoyed. Thought to attract their souls, a pillow and blanket may be left out for them to rest on after their long journey from the afterlife.

Often people hold picnics at the gravesites or even spend the night there. Lighthearted poems are sometimes written in honor of the deceased. Believed to be embodied in the form of monarch butterflies, orange marigolds are ubiquitous for the visiting dead to feed upon.

Marigolds are thought to attract the dead.

Photo by Dave Gibson

The feast for the living includes tamales, decorative sugar skulls, pan de muerto baked in the shape of fingers and toes, fermented pulque distilled from the agave plant, and hot, chocolatey atole derived from corn flour.

A vaquera.

Photo by Dave Gibson

From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., the party continued with attendees donning their finest Day of the Dead costumes while colorfully-attired Mexican folk dancers entertained the crowd and spirit guests.