Distinguished bartender and mixologist Alba Huerta stops by Houston Life to chat about her Mexican ancestry and how she celebrates Día de los Muertos at Julep, her award-winning bar in Houston.

For the first time this year, a Houston-area funeral home held a Day of the Dead festival to honor the celebration and reunite with the spirits of loved ones who had passed on.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead is a two-day celebration honoring lost loved ones. Pan de Muerto is an important part of this celebration.

The Matas never celebrated Day of the Dead before; this year they built an altar at the grave of 10-year-old Tess, surrounded by family. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, they broke their traditions.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is observed annually on Nov. 1 and 2.

November 1 is a day to remember children, known as El Dia de los Inocentes, as well as a day to honor the saints or All Saints Day. “There is no wrong way or right way to make an altar, but the Mexican inspired altars usually have three levels,” said Gavito. Additionally, altars usually incorporate the four elements, earth, wind, water and fire. Other significant components include The Bread of the Dead also known as Pan de Muerto and the Mexican Marigold flowers. To connect with Luis Gavito or learn more about Día de los Muertos visit the Meca Houston website.

HOUSTON – This weekend people are celebrating Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Each year the MECA Houston organization hosts a colorful festival featuring several vendors and entertainment. “They tend to forget where the families are coming from, where our roots are, and so that is my favorite reason for celebrating this festival with MECA Houston,” he said. Saturday’s unique festival featured several performers wearing colorful costumes with long feathers and different designs. “My rattle here has something that looks like a monkey and that’s because in the ancient calendar the day of my birth is one monkey,” Xochitezca said.