Locals Remember Family with Dia de los Muertos

On the porch in front of their house on 2nd Street, Steve and Martha Futterman placed pan de muerto, sugar skulls and candles so the souls of loved ones will return to visit for Dia de los Muertos.

Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, takes place Thursday and Friday.

Among marigolds, known as the flowers of the dead, and other items placed on a table are photos of their dog Samantha, Martha's mom and dad Graciela and Arnie Baylon, Steve's father Jack and his grandma Mae Diamond.

"We make their favorite food so they can return from Heaven or wherever their soul is," said Martha Futterman, whose family comes from the Guadalajara region of Mexico. "My father loved a special chicken dish my mom used to make and my father-in-law loved his bagel in the morning, and his grandma too."

Among the photos and offerings are cantrinas mimicking artist Frida Kahlo, Mexican comedian Cantinflas and a Michael Jackson cantrina made the year of his death.

Water is also left for the dead to drink.

"The water they'll come and drink it and it's been said on that day the water will go down a bit," she said.

The altar attracted admiration from trick-or-treaters, but small compared to others she has seen.

"This is nothing compared to what some people do in Mexico," she said.

Who will you remember for the Day of the Dead? Share in comments.