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Downtown observance honors departed loved ones, friends
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A community altar is one of those established in the Dia de los Muertos in downtown Riverbank. The fourth annual event was sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation Department, with the community altar offered for those members of the community who wanted to honor their dead but not build an entire altar on their own. The altars honor friends or family members who have passed, including military personnel and police officers. Ric McGinnis/The News

The Riverbank Parks and Recreation Department hosted its fourth Annual Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead – celebration in the downtown area on Friday, Nov. 1.

The event was staged on Third Street, between Topeka and Stanislaus streets, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday, observed on Nov. 1 and 2, celebrating the dearly departed with live music, food, altars, Catrina contests and more. It is associated with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

The Riverbank festival celebrated altars with items decorated by art work, photos and mementoes of deceased friends or family, including military and police members. Officials note the observance is a celebration of love for those no longer here, a way to reconnect with them through memories.

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Participants of all ages joined the quest to be the best Catrina contestant in Friday’s Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration in downtown Riverbank, staged here on Friday, Nov. 1. Ric McGinnis/The News
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Vendor booths and altars honoring deceased friends or family members line the streets of downtown Riverbank on Friday evening, Nov. 1 as locals celebrated the city’s Fourth Annual Day of the Dead observance, Dia de los Muertos. Ric McGinnis/The News