Community ofrenda opens on Milwaukee's south side in honor of Dia de los Muertos

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The name Day of the Dead sounds like it could be a sad or even morbid event. But in Mexican culture, it's actually a colorful, even joyful celebration, and we saw evidence of that Wednesday in Milwaukee.

"We've had an ofrenda at my house forever, honoring my parents and grandparents."

A community ofrenda -- or altar -- honoring relatives and friends who have passed on has been set up at Flores Hall on Milwaukee's south side. And people are invited to join in the celebration.

Mexican Fiesta and Wisconsin's Hispanic Scholarship Foundation are inviting the public to visit and participate in the tradition.

You can bring a small offering and a picture of the loved one who you would like to honor. That way, Day of the Dead becomes a true celebration of life.

"As we remember them and what their favorite colors were and what their favorite drinks and food was, and then you put that out there on your ofrenda to kind of remind you of their life," said George Banda, who visited the community ofrenda. 

Flores Hall is located on 20th St. just north of Oklahoma. 

The community ofrenda will be open from noon until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2 -Friday, Nov. 4.

We're told this is the largest community altar in the state.