Just up South Congress, the Mexic-Arte Museum is hosting its 32nd annual Día de los Muertos celebration with an exhibition entitled “Community Altars: Ofrendas Inspired from the States of Mexico.”

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican and Mexican-American religious holiday that falls on Nov. 1 and 2 where families gather to honor their deceased loved ones.

If you are a fan of the movie “The Book of Life,” you’ll love this museum.

Featuring various visual artists and community groups, the exhibition highlights respective commemorative altars from different Mexican states: Coahuila, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, México D.F., Michoacàn, Oaxaca, Puebla, San Luis Potosí and Veracruz.

Some of the traditional decorations on the altars include bright-colored påpier-maché patterns and sugar skulls, cempasuchitl (marigolds) and blessed rosaries, as well as the favorite foods and other mementos of the deceased. Candles and pictures of the deceased are also left at the graves.

“The exhibition was an accurate representation of what Día de los Muertos is. It was colorful and full of stories,” sophomore Dayanira Velasco said. “Día de los Muertos is not a day to mourn death, but to celebrate the lives of those who have passed. The idea is that although a person may not be physically present, they are alive in spirit.”

The Mexic-Arte Museum staff also created an altar dedicated to fallen individuals who contributed to the museum over the past three decades. Also worth noting is the museum’s gift shop which has traditional Mexican candy and other handmade goods.

On Oct. 31, Mexic-Arte and the City of Austin will co-host a Día de los Muertos parade and festival called “Viva La Vida 2015” with a grand procession, artist vendors, live music, a float made by local piñata artisans, the Museum’s altar exhibitions, educational programs, crafting activities, and Mexican foods.

While at the museum, children and adults of all ages can take part in arts and crafts for the Día de los Muertos float.

The Mexic-Arte Museum is located at 419 Congress Ave., and will feature the Día de los Muertos exhibition until Nov. 22.