A vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos – or Day of the Dead -- lit up downtown Houston Friday night. This Mexican tradition brings people together to honor loved ones who have passed.
The celebration at Discovery Green was a chance for people to enjoy the music and to honor their loved ones.
“My brother that has passed away 11 years today,” said Michelle Mercado.
Michelle and her family are placing a picture of 34-year-old James Mercado downtown. With tears in her eyes, she keeps his memory alive.
“He was such a nice person,” she said. “Always the life of the party.”
And like her, many believe that on this day, our loved ones return from the beyond to be with us.
“I do definitely feel like they come back and visit us,” said Amber Nicole, who also lost her brother. “Not in a way people think. It might be with the butterfly or in a space like this where you feel peace and happiness.
Amber brought flowers and paused to remember her 29-year-old brother, Alex.
“Offer up prayers of gratitude for this space experience,” she said. “And continue to love on me.”
As part of the celebration, there is food, singing and dancing.
People dress up, their faces painted in skull patterns -- a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and death.
“Personalmente mi esposo que fallecia hace 13 anos,” said Konny Landa, who was also at Discovery Green Friday night.
She honors her husband with her outfit, even dressing up her dog, Taco. On Friday, everyone, young and old, carries someone special in their heart.
All of the families there are trying to keep the memories alive of those that have passed on before us.