La Raza Galería Posada and the Midtown Business Association will be holding their annual haunted festivities this weekend, October 27-28, to celebrate both Halloween and Día de los Muertos, a Mesoamerican celebration that honors and remembers the dead.

Last year nearly 4,000 attendees participated. This year, local businesses and organizers are hoping for an even larger turn out to join in on the free fun.

Midtown Business Association’s “Yappy Hour” pooch costume contest will start the day, as dog owners have the opportunity to parade their spooky pets through haunted Midtown streets with the hopes of winning a prize. Meanwhile, children will be filling their sacks with sweets and treats from local participating businesses throughout Midtown and enjoying Marshall Park’s outdoor pumpkin decorating, face painting, caramel apples, and carnival games.

Also part of the fun is a cultural full-immersion experience being hosted by La Raza Galería Posada to celebrate the Day of the Dead. This gripping annual event will turn the Native American Health Center’s parking lot into a bright and eye-catching panteón (cemetery). Visitors will find themselves surrounded by a myriad of colorfully decorated altars filled with family photos, trinkets, favorite foods, music and beverages. A Mesoamerican indigenous tradition deeply rooted in Mexico and Central America’s past, organizers are excited to offer participants a way to honor their loved ones in life and in death.

In the attempt to fuse these two traditions together, Casa de Español, Midtown’s Spanish Language School, will be hosting CASA de los ESPIRITUS, the House of Spirits, at its Midtown location on J St. A free haunted house for kids of all ages, CASA de los ESPIRITUS will celebrate the mystery and tradition of both Halloween and Día de los Muertos.

The Midtown Business Association’s pooch costume contest will begin at 10am this Saturday, the trick or treat and Marshall Park activities will go from 11-2pm, CASA de los ESPIRITUS will be open from 12-2:30pm and La Raza Galería Posada’s Panteón will be available to see from 11am to 11pm on Saturday and from 8am to 8pm on Sunday. All events are free and great for all ages. For more information, view organizers’ websites: www.lrgp.org & www.exploremidtown.org.