Dia de los Muertos on Sunday: Congressional Cemetery Hosts a Free Celebration, and Arlington Holds an Evening Picnic

Dia de los Muertos, observed annually on November 1 and 2, invites families to honor deceased loved ones with altars adorned with marigolds, candles, photographs and offerings of favorite foods and drinks, Hola Cultura reported in its guide to this year's Washington-area commemorations. The capital region's Sunday calendar carries the holiday well beyond the National Mall.

On Capitol Hill, Congressional Cemetery hosts a Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission, according to KidFriendly DC's weekend round-up. The historic cemetery setting puts the commemoration among the graves it honors, in a neighborhood program distinct from the larger waterfront and museum events the same day.

Across the river in the evening, the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington hosts its Dia de los Muertos celebration with an evening picnic on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with food trucks, live dance, musical performances and family-friendly activities, Hola Cultura reported. Visitors are invited to bring a photo of a departed loved one to add to the ofrenda. Entrance is free, with food and drinks for sale.