Houston celebrates Dia de los Muertos
Above, Karen Ortiz, second from right, and Jezzilyn Rodriguez, both 11, wait to go on stage to perform with MECA Ballet Folklorico at the Dia de los Muertos Festival held Sunday at the MECA in Houston. At right, Nadia DeLavega, 6, left, and her sister Adina, 3, browse for items to buy at the festival. Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Latin American holiday that honors and celebrates the lives of family and friends who have died. The common theme that runs through the two-day celebration, traditionally held Nov. 1 and 2, is the belief that the dead return home, visit loved ones and feast on their favorite foods.