Washington Borough will bring a taste of a predominately Southwest holiday to the Northeast when it hosts its second annual Day of the Dead celebration on Thursday Oct. 27.

The Day of the Dead, originally a Mexican holiday, is typically celebrated throughout the Southwest, as well as in other parts of the country, usually just after Halloween, or around that time. It has also been referred to as All Souls’ Day. The holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and to remember friends and family members who have died. It is commonly portrayed as a day of celebration rather than mourning. Many people use the opportunity to remember pets, events and even businesses.

Attendees are invited to dress up in makeup and clothes consistent with the theme and to take part in the festivities. The event is being presented by the Washington Business Improvement District and is sponsored by Knoll-Devoe Funeral Home, DM Solutions, Swift Print Solutions, Good Impressions, Visions Federal Credit Union, PrintAbilities, Home Instead Senior Care, and Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division.

The free family-friendly event takes place from 6-9 p.m. in Veterans Park in the center of the downtown. There will be a short parade and an opportunity to write a message to someone lost and then have the message included in a small bonfire on-site where it’ll go up in flames toward heaven. There will also be sugar skull face painting available and other vendors including food by We Squeeze to Please (hot dogs, cider, etc.) and Empanada Mamasita.

The Mariachi oro de Mexico band will entertain from 6:15–6:45 and starting at approximately 7 p.m. the Disney animated movie, Encanto, will be shown. Attendees should bring chairs. Attendees can also bring food or get take out from the various eateries in town.

For more information visit washingtonbid.org or call 908-689-4800.