By Travis Loewe

On November 1, the Italian Market in Philadelphia was filled to the brim with people celebrating Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.

The streets were lined with vendors selling anything from sugar skulls to traditional food. The celebration was filled with vibrant colors, painted faces, elaborate gowns, and energetic music.

The festival’s highlight was Danza Azteca, where performers anchored a procession, bringing centuries of Indigenous Mexican tradition to life through dance, music, and ritual. The crowd that filled ninth street filtered in behind the small parade as the group led everyone towards the Fleisher Art Memorial. Here, a stage would showcase live music and a performance from the Aztec Dancers.

Inside the Fleisher Art Memorial, is an altar which is special to Dia de los Muertos and acts as a sacred bridge which invites and welcomes the spirits of deceased loved ones back to the world of the living for a brief visit.

Photos taken by Travis Loewe