SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - The Day of the Dead, an ancestral tradition celebrated to mourn and honor deceased loved ones, was marked with cultural festivities across Sussex County.
At La Tonalteca restaurant in Millsboro, tamales, oranges, fresh bread, and Coke were among the favorite foods and beverages placed on the altar to honor those who have passed.
Kimberly Herrera, who grew up in a Mexican household, shared what the day means to her.
"It is a day where you remember those who have passed, whether it's family, friends, people we knew," Herrera said. "We kind of do an altar like this here, and we showcase their photos, we put things out that they might have used when they were living, some of their favorite things."
The altar also included essential elements such as a salt cross, candles, and water.
In Laurel, at Tacos Chabelita, employees commemorated the Day of the Dead by dressing as the iconic figures of Catrin and Catrina, symbols representing life and death.
Javier Barrueta, the assistant manager of Tacos Chabelita, was in charge of the employees' makeup.
"If you look, they are all a little different," Barrueta explained. "Some of them have a cross, some of them have a heart, and some of them just have different things."
Isabel Cisneros reflected on how her understanding of the day has grown over time.
"Growing up, you just think it's normal, but then there's a real meaning behind that. As an adult now, I can understand it better," Cisneros said.
The Day of the Dead is observed over two days: Nov. 1, which is dedicated to deceased children, and Nov. 2, which focuses on adults.