Murrells Inlet group keeps the tradition going with the Dia De Los Muertos celebration

MURRELLS INLET, SC (WMBF) – Viva La Noche Catering hosted a party in honor of the “Day of the Dead” on Sunday.

“To see it come to life makes me very proud. I am probably the proudest woman in this place right now,” said Joyshonda Lewis.

Lewis’ husband is one of the people who organizes the Dia De Los Muertos celebration in Murrells Inlet.

She said her husband has taught her a lot.

“Yes, it was eye-opening and mind-blowing,” Lewis said.

Dia De Los Muertos, or ‘Day of the Dead’, is a celebration in honor of those who have passed away.

“It’s just a good opportunity to enjoy the time that we are still here together and to remember those who are no longer with us,” Inigo Alarcia said.

It is a joyful day and a tradition dating back to the ancient Aztecs.

It started as the belief that those who have died come back one night a year to be with their loved ones, even if they cannot be seen.

The celebration includes dancing, food, and an altar where the mementos of those who have gone before you are placed.

Alarcia wanted to embrace that tradition.

“There’s a lot of Latino community, but there’s not a lot of celebrations of the Latino community. So this is a good way to participate in a mix of cultures.”

There is only one rule.

“No bad feelings are allowed here,” he said.

The celebration stayed true to tradition with lots of food, music, face painting, stilt walking and more.

Matthew Rabin is the other organizer of the event and has this message for the community.

“I actually want to thank the community that came out to support. I like the diverse group we have here,” Rabin said.

Lewis is enthusiastic about a job well done.

“We will feel like this has happened. We made this possible. And it was, as you can see, a great success,” she said.

Dia De Los Muertos is traditionally celebrated from midnight on November 1st until the end of the day on November 2nd.

Alarcia tells WMBF News he hopes to be back next year for another party.