Everyone knows October means it's Halloween time but for many Mexicans and Latinos around the world it also means it's almost time for Dia de los Muertos. Like every month, the city of Lubbock is hosting their First Friday Art Trail but since it is October there is a bit of a twist.

This October the First Friday Art Trail will be featuring the exhibition Celebracion which honors and explores the history of the Dia de los Muertos holiday. The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts will have multiple types of businesses featuring art from local artists that encapsulate the theme for the month. More than 40 artists will be featured during this month's First Friday Art Trail and most of the featured art is a personal expression of that artists interpretation of the holiday.

For those that don't know much about Dia de los Muertos it is a mix different traditions that have come together over the years. It does combine the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls Day with some pre-Columbian concepts of death which has be a major part of Mexico's past since the Aztecs. The Aztecs, who originally celebrated the holiday, had a day of ritual dedicated to children and the deceased while worshipping the goddess, and Lady of the Dead, Mictecacihuatl (pronounced meek-teca-see-watt-lee).

Most that celebrate Dia de los Muertos only celebrate it on November 1 and 2 but it is actually celebrated days before. This is because most people will get their ofrendas (alters) ready and celebrate different deceased loved ones such as pets and friends a few days prior. The First Friday Art Trail is free to the public and will feature musical guest the Eddie Beethoven Band from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Buddy Holly Center. For a complete list of locations that will be a part of the art trail and for trolly stops just check online.

West Texas Explorer: Jim Kimmel Center/In Town Inn Lubbock

A look at the abandoned Jim Kimmel Center/In Town Inn

Gallery Credit: Mikael Donnovan

Lubbock Cursed Buildings: 2001 Clovis Rd

2023 Halloween Treats