Skeletons, altars, pan de muerto

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, celebrates deceased loved ones. The tradition is most closely associated with Mexico, but it’s also celebrated elsewhere in Latin America and in the U.S. Skeleton masks and makeup and homemade altars are part of the traditions. Here are four places in the U.S. to celebrate with song, dance, art, togetherness, face paint and sweet rolls (pan de muerto).

California

Head to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park for a weekend-long Day of the Dead festival where skeleton stilt walkers and puppeteers stroll. The free event starts at noon Friday through Nov. 4. Aztec dancers, a procession to El Campo Santo Cemetery and a fully stocked food court and beer garden are some of the entertainment options. Kids can decorate sugar skulls, make paper flowers and have their faces painted. Info: dayofthedeadsd.com

Arizona

Tucson’s All Souls Procession, adapted from Day of the Dead traditions, includes a walk, a stroll and a roll through the city’s streets, starting at 4 p.m. Nov. 4. More than 100,000 people are expected to gather wearing masks and costumes, carrying puppets and altars. Dancers and musicians perform, and offerings to the dead are burned. Events are free. The procession starts at 6 p.m., but gather earlier for food trucks, face-painting and DJs. Info: lat.ms/29thallsouls

Colorado

Breckenridge Creative Arts hosts a three-day familyfriendly Día de Los Muertos festival in the ski town’s Arts District. Free weekend activities include a screening and discussion of Disney Pixar’s “Coco.” The festival is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday. Info: breckcreate.org/ddlm

New Mexico

Be prepared to get covered in paint and icing at the Día de Los Muertos Art Fest in Deming, a town near the Mexican border. Visitors can help decorate mini-sugar skulls and paint a 10-foot-tall skull in a group art exhibit. Also on the schedule are paper crafting, face-painting and costume contests. Tickets cost $5. The event starts at 2 p.m. Saturday. Info: diademuertosart fest.com