To some people, celebrating the dead might seem strange. But in the Southwest, celebrating the dead is like a holiday event in late October. 

For the fourth year in a row, Downtown Washington will bring that southwestern touch to the Northeast when it hosts its Annual Day of the Dead celebration on Thursday evening Oct. 24.

This Day of the Dead celebration, presented by the Washington Business Improvement District, is the largest of its kind in the region and takes place by Veterans Park in the Center of Downtown along E. Washington Avenue (Route 57). The free family-friendly event takes place from 5-8 p.m.

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 hugely popular Mariachi oro de Mexico band will once again entertain the crowd with two sets of music with additional musical entertainment provided by Kevin “Skull” Defeo.  

There will be 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 table available and assorted vendors. 

Attendees should bring chairs. Attendees can also bring food or get take out from the various eateries in town.

The event is sponsored by Warren Hills Memorial Home, Get a Grip & More, Good Impressions Print Communications, Home Instead Senior Care, West Washington Dentistry, Swift Print Solutions, General Supply/Direct Millwork and Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division.

For more information about the event or to become a vendor, visit washingtonbid.org or call 908-689-4800.