Dia de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday meaning Day of the Dead. It is a way of honoring and remembering deceased loved ones by making food, dancing to music, and spending time with family and friends. People make altars in their homes and at their loved ones graves.

Bringing food to eat with the dead is common for people who celebrate this Mexican tradition each year. Some families who leave food out and come back to nothing left on the plates believe that the remembered spirits returned and consumed the food.

For the past 25 years, the Arte Americas Art Gallery in Fresno has been celebrating the Dia de Los Muertos exhibit. Nov. 2 marks the Arte Americas big celebration that starts at the Fulton Mall and ends at the Arte Americas stage area. Usually about 800 people come out to celebrate on Nov. 2. This year the art gallery is shooting for 1,000 people to celebrate. There are five different rooms that display art for the Dia de Los Muertos exhibit.

“About 40-50 artists have submitted their work for the Dia de Los Muertos exhibit,” said Nancy Marquez, board member at Arte Americas.

Arte Americas is offering Dia de Los Muertos workshops on Oct. 20 and Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Each workshop is $15, 2 for $25. Materials are included, but you must contact the gallery to reserve your spot by calling 559-266-2623.

All art that is displayed at the gallery is from local and out-of-town artists. Many types of art is displayed, some more modern than other pieces. There is also student work that is displayed from different schools. “We promote local artists,” said Marquez.

This year there is a video room where visitors can go into and learn about the Dia de Los Muertos holiday. Arte Americas wants the gallery to be fun and educational for everyone. Old children’s toys made in Mexico are on display in individual cases. Some art that is displayed at Arte Americas is also on sale to buy.

Gallery hours are Wednesdat through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Arte Americas is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

The next exhibit coming up for Arte Americas is the American Sabor  Latinos in U.S. Popular Music Nov. 17 to Jan. 20. This exhibit is coming from the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

For more information call 559-266-2623 or go to www.arteamericas.org.

The Arte Americas Art Gallery is located at 1630 Van Ness Ave.