By LORETTA FULTON

It’s that time of year again when religion and culture come together for a mix of somber and fun events.

Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve), with its costumes and trick-or-treat tradition, and Dia de los Muertos, practiced by indigenous people of Mexico for centuries, come on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Also, in some Christian traditions, Nov. 1 is observed as All Saints’ Day and Nov. 2 as All Souls’ day.

According to the Simply Catholic website, All Saints’ Day is a holy day of obligation “on which the universal Church honors the martyrs, the saints and the confessors, including all known and unknown, all who have gained the reward of heaven.” All Souls’ Day honors all the faithful departed.

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, is so significant that in 2008 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added the day to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

“El Dia de los Muertos, as practiced by indigenous communities of Mexico, commemorates the transitory return to Earth of deceased relatives and loved ones,” the UNESCO site says.

Locally, at least two observances of Day of the Dead will be held. On Thursday, Oct. 30, the Grace Museum will host its Dia de los Muertos Family Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. in the courtyard. The festival will feature free cultural activities for all ages, including storytime and crafts in partnership with the Abilene Public Library, sugar skulls and paper marigold crafts, a performance by Ballet Folklorico at 6:30 p.m., and face painting in  partnership with the Center for Contemporary Arts. The community is invited to bring copies of family photos for an Ofrenda, a public display of photos and objects in commemoration of deceased loved ones.

A second observance of Dia de los Muertos will be held 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at North’s Funeral Home, 242 Orange St. The event is billed as, “A vibrant cultural celebration of life, memory, and traditions.” The observance will feature Ballet Folklorico dancers, an altar, DJ music, and food trucks. 

Some festivals sponsored by churches are listed below:

Pioneer Drive Baptist Church
701 S. Pioneer Drive
A Trunk-or-Treat will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the parking lot of Bonham Elementary School. 

First Baptist Church
1333 N. Third St. 
A Trunk-or-Treat will be staged in the south parking lot from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The event will feature trunks full of candy, games, train rides, and free hot dogs

Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest
602 Meander St.
The church is hosting a festival on Halloween night, Oct.31, 6-8 p.m. There will be trunks filled with candy, games, and a playground. An All Hallows Eve service will begin in the columbarium at 8 p.m. 

First Christian Church
5125 Antilley Road
A community-wide Trunk-or-Treat will be held 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in the church parking lot. 

Southwest Park Baptist Church
2901 S. 20th St. 
The church will host a Fall Festival 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. The festival will feature games, prizes, candy, and refreshments. 

Aldersgate Methodist Church
1741 Sayles Blvd.
A Trunk-or-Treat will be held in the parking lot 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25