by Brian Turrel
The Central Avenue Betterment Association held its second annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) parade on Saturday, capping an afternoon of music and activities along Central Avenue between Valley and 15th Street.
Bands on stages along the parade route played a range of musical styles from traditional (such as mariachi) to modern (such as Spanish-language hip hop).
Food vendors did a brisk commerce in tamales, champurrado and other Mexican favorites.
Dia de Muertos is a Mexican national holiday, celebrated in the United States as a cultural appreciation as well as a day of remembrance of departed family. Skull masks and brightly colored costumes are a common part of the holiday.
