Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in North Long Beach this Friday and Saturday with family activities organized by the local nonprofit Puente Latino Association, in partnership with multiple city entities.

Puente’s fourth annual Dia de los Muertos celebration begins with a procession Friday night in front of the Expo Arts Center in Bixby Knolls as part of the neighborhood’s First Fridays series.

Participants can bring an image of a person, or persons, they want to remember and/or bring an item for the community ofrenda, or offering, to display.

The celebration continues Saturday at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library with art, entertainment and activities for all ages.

“The goal of the event is to connect the diverse population of Long Beach through a cultural and educational social event to promote understanding, foster meaningful social interaction, and community cohesion,” founder Hilda Gaytan said in a statement.

Friday’s event starts at 7 p.m. in front of the Expo Arts Center, located at 4321 Atlantic Ave. Saturday’s event will be held from noon to 5 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Library, located at 5870 Atlantic Ave. 

 

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.