Day of the Dead is growing in popularity in the Wolverine State.

Michiganders of Hispanic and Latino descent, as well as many who simply want to learn more about the culture or experience its traditions, are taking part in Day of the Dead activities this week.

The three-day celebration, also known as Dia de los Muertos, which takes place in late October and November, has its roots in southern Mexico and honors departed family members, friends and even pets. The Day of the Dead tradition has roots in the ritual practices of indigenous peoples and Spanish Catholics, according to the National Museum of the American Hispanic.

“While many traditional elements remain, the way and place where Day of the Dead is celebrated has changed,” the museum’s website explains. “However, the unity of life and death continues to be a dominant theme in the art, traditions and rituals of the annual Day of the Dead celebrations on November 2nd in both Mexico and the United States.

In Michigan, you can see live performances in Detroit, visit a tequila bar in Alpena, or see calavera art in Battle Creek. Celebrations take place in many cities across the state.

There are approximately 600,000 Hispanic or Latino residents in Michigan, making up 6% of the state’s total population, according to the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. Although Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino population is smaller than the U.S., it is growing at a faster rate than the nation as a whole.

Overall, Michigan’s Hispanic population has increased 28.6% since 2013, an increase of about 133,100 Hispanics, while Michigan’s total population grew by 141,600 between 2013 and 2023, the state said. .

The annual holiday has grown in popularity in recent years, with numerous places joining in the celebration. Here are a few places around the state where you can celebrate orenda with food, flowers and fire:

A partnership between Mango’s Tequila Bar, Thunder Bay Arts and Downtown Alpena County officials will host the first Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 2, believed to be the only holiday in northern Michigan.

A full day of activities starting at 11 a.m. includes story time at the local library, skull painting, movies, costume contests and live mariachi bands.

For more information, visit the ADDA website.

The 28th annual celebration, hosted by the Casa de Rosado Galeria and Cultural Center, central Michigan’s only Latino arts center, will take place Nov. 1-3 and feature skull-decorating competitions and folklorico dance performances.

The three-day celebration includes elaborate memorials to loved ones built by community members, a sugar skull decorating contest at 2 p.m. Nov. 2, a Catrin y Catrina sugar skull dress-up contest, and a Maria Luz folkloric dance performance at 3 p.m. Lansing Folk Ballet.

The event will be held at the Michigan History Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St.

Local restaurant La Jalisciense Supermercado y Taqueria returns with a four-day celebration from October 31st to November 3rd.

Located at 3923 Vernor Hwy. In Detroit, the event offers Detroiters a place to celebrate the holiday by watching theatrical performances and even interacting with a new exhibit at the cemetery. There will be vendors, competitions, workshops and music.

For more information, visit bit.ly/lajali-dayofthedead2024. Tickets start at $4.

El Concilio, a Latino nonprofit organization in Kalamazoo, will host its 10th annual Día de Los Muertos celebration at 5 p.m. on Nov. 1.

The celebration, with music, traditional art, dance, cultural food and activities, provides a unique opportunity for the community to witness a culturally unique practice, the organization said.

Day of the Dead is growing in popularity in the Wolverine State.

Where else are they celebrating?

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