Washington Borough will bring a predominately Southwest holiday to the Northeast when it hosts a Day of the Dead celebration on Thursday Oct. 28.

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 also 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 Gibson’s Gym, Shembre & Gannon, LLC, Visions Federal Credit Union, Swift Print Solutions, and DM Solutions, LLC, and is also being supported by Knoll-Devoe Funeral Home and Warren Hills Memorial Home.  

The family-friendly event takes place from 6-9 p.m. in the parking lot behind Gibson’s Gym (75 E. Washington Ave. – Route 57) and will include 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.

The Mariachi oro de Mexico band will also entertain from 6:15–7:15 and starting at 7:30 the Disney animated movie, Coco, which is about the Day of the Dead, will be shown under the Gibson’s Gym Pavilion. Attendees should bring chairs. Attendees can also bring food or get take out from the various eateries in town.