[image id="9212" title="dia de los muertos" class="size-full wp-image-18481" width="242" height="273" ] The artwork of Dia de los Muertos is a colorful, playful depiction of both life and death. This piece is part of the Dia de los Muertos Festival poster.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL PLANS BIGGEST YEAR YET — Corpus Christi celebrates The Day of the Dead — Dia de los Muertos — on two days this year. On Friday, Nov. 1, the actual day of the dead, the First Friday ArtWalk joins in the fun. Then on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 3 p.m. to midnight on Starr and Mesquite streets downtown, thousands are expected to join the Dea de los Muertos Festival.

A national holiday in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is both a day of solemn remembrance and joyful celebration of the lives of lost loved ones. Families leave offerings on temporary alters that honor the deceased. Traditional offerings include yellow marigold, and items or food and beverages that the lost person cherished in life. The centuries-old tradition is based on the belief that the souls of the deceased come to visit the living on the days of Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

ArtWalk and MusicWalk, part of the First Weekend traditions in Corpus Christi, join in the celebrations, beginning with Friday's ArtWalk.

The K Space Contemporary gallery at 415D Starr Street opens  from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with its new exhibit, Loteria the Exhibition, featuring 130 works by 125 local and regional artists. Activities include a K-12 youth contest of piñatas. The winner is determined by a public vote, so don't forget to cast your ballot.

Art on display includes Mexica 5: Works by Mark Clark and Community Alter by Grace Barraza-Vega and Laura Jimenez.

Live music will play on Starr Street.

Saturday's festival

On Saturday, the 400 and 500 blocks of Starr and 600 and 700 blocks of Mesquite streets and La Retama Park feature three stages of live performances. Andrews MainStage presents live Latin-influenced rock music with headliner Piñata Protest. The Cultural Performance Stage presents traditional dance and music of Mexico and Latin America. MusicWalk’s Funky Rockin’ Soul Stage next to La Retama Park will present a variety of bands and musicians.

Other events include Hecho-a-Mano Art Expo of over 85 vendors, an altar display, Stripes Kids Corner, family fun and more. The community altar will be available for the public to add remembrances of lost loved ones.

Proceeds from the festival benefit K Space Contemporary. For more information visit the website or call (361)887-6834.