Get unlimited local news and information that matters to you.

Gallery: Whatcom hosts Día de los Muertos celebration

November 1, 2024 10:00 pm

Enrique Lopez dances on stage at the Whatcom Community College Día de los Muertos celebration Friday, Nov. 1. Danza Azteca opened the night. — Enrique Lopez dances on stage at the Whatcom Community College Día de los Muertos celebration Friday, Nov. 1. Danza Azteca opened the night. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Doli Carrasquilla has calavera makeup painted on her face by Ace Ong. — Doli Carrasquilla has calavera makeup painted on her face by Ace Ong. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Whatcom Community College students Clarissa Felix, left, and Luis Tovar Martinez welcome attendees to the celebration. — Whatcom Community College students Clarissa Felix, left, and Luis Tovar Martinez welcome attendees to the celebration. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Danza Azteca begins the celebration with an "Opening of the Four Directions" — a Native American tradition and prayer. — Danza Azteca begins the celebration with an "Opening of the Four Directions" — a Native American tradition and prayer. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Marco Morales dances as part of the Danza Azteca performance. — Marco Morales dances as part of the Danza Azteca performance. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Enrique Lopez blows on a conch shell as his son Emiliano Lopez Zaragoza watches and beats on the drum. — Enrique Lopez blows on a conch shell as his son Emiliano Lopez Zaragoza watches and beats on the drum. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Attendees eat enchiladas and conchas in the Syre Student Center. — Attendees eat enchiladas and conchas in the Syre Student Center. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Baile Folklorico de WWU dances for the crowd. The Western Washington University club is self taught and student led. — Baile Folklorico de WWU dances for the crowd. The Western Washington University club is self taught and student led. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Baile Folklorico de WWU performs La Bruja, a traditional dance from Veracruz where dancers represent spirits, wear white and have candles on their head. — Baile Folklorico de WWU performs La Bruja, a traditional dance from Veracruz where dancers represent spirits, wear white and have candles on their head. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

An altar featured photos of passed loved ones, candles, sugar skulls and marigold flowers — called "los flores de muertos" in Spanish or "flowers of death." — An altar featured photos of passed loved ones, candles, sugar skulls and marigold flowers — called "los flores de muertos" in Spanish or "flowers of death." (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Aporto Versado, a band from Mount Vernon, closes out the Día de los Muertos celebration. — Aporto Versado, a band from Mount Vernon, closes out the Día de los Muertos celebration. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)

Through dance, food and an altar, Whatcom Community College honored Mexican culture and passed loved ones at its annual Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, Nov. 1. The college partnered with Western Washington University to host the free public event.