A special occasion is on the horizon — the 20th anniversary of the Día de Muertos Festival at Camp North End. The annual event on Saturday, Nov. 2 is a partnership between Levine Museum of the New South and the Latin American Coalition.

"The Day of the Dead is a celebration that's recognized by UNESCO," Jose Hernández-París, CEO of the Latin American Coalition, told reporters at a recent altar unveiling. "It's not just a celebration of culture or heritage, but something that is worldwide recognized as part of our history and heritage."

This year's festival will feature:

Story readings and live music
Catrina parade
Marigold flower making
Jewelry making
Skull decorating
Dancing and mariachi band

This altar, or ofrenda, was unveiled by the Levine Museum of the New South and the Latin American Coalition. | Photo by CLTtoday

Ahead of the festival, a new alter was unveiled by the museum and Latin American Coalition.

"When you see the altars, they're not only altars that are made by our Latino community, they're altars that are also made by other groups who are now taking the Day of the Dead as an annual celebration," explained Hernández-París.

The event is free and runs Saturday, Nov. 2, from 12 to 8 p.m. In 2023, the festival drew 10,000 people to Camp North End. This year, organizers expect upwards of 14,000 attendees.