An ancient holiday that goes hand in hand with Halloween, Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is observed Nov. 1-2 in Mexico and other countries. While it may sound gruesome, it is actually a joyful remembrance of departed loved ones. Altars decorated with skeleton figurines, as well as toys and jewelry with a skull motif, are all part of the tradition. Here's a sampling of Day of the Dead celebrations around the area.

Norma Cavazos

For the 21st year, the Bath House marks Day of the Dead with a special exhibition. This year, more than 80 local, regional, national and international artists have contributed works to this eclectic art show.

Through Nov. 10, Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. (until

10 p.m. on nights with performances). Bath House Cultural Center,

521 E. Lawther. 214-670-8749. www.bathhousecultural.com.

{TriRight} Free.

The Blue Goose in Plano gets into the spirit with a parking lot party. Customers can enter a costume contest, enjoy drink specials and dance to the Josh Daniels Band.

Today from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Blue Goose Cantina, 4757 W. Park Blvd., Plano. 972-596-8882.

{TriRight} Free admission.

You will find a large collection of Día de Los Muertos folk art at this gallery. Stop by Saturday for a free talk on the meaning of the holiday, view an authentic Day of the Dead altar and get tips on building your own home altar.

Gallery talk Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. Casa Mexicana, 2710 Live Oak. 214-747-7227. www.casamexicanafolkart.com.

{TriRight} Free.

The center kicks off two days of activities Thursday with a traditional Mojigangas, or parade of giant puppets. On Nov. 2, Teatro Dallas pays tribute to artist Frida Kahlo with Noche de Muertos en la Casa Azul, a night of film, poetry, music, food and drink. Visitors can also see a display of altars created by 10 local artists and tour the new

exhibit "Patrones Celestiales Folk Retablos: Icons From Mexico."

Mojigangas on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Noche de Muertos en la Casa Azulis on

Nov. 2 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Latino Cultural Center, 2600 Live Oak. 214-670-3320. www.dallasculture.org.

{TriRight} Free for Thursday activities. Nov. 2: $25 to $30 per person. Exhibits are free.

Comic Alex Reymundo will be the master of ceremonies for a Day of the Dead concert honoring rock legends no longer with us. The lineup of 10 tribute acts includes Voodoo Blue (Stevie Ray Vaughan), the Dead Thing (Grateful Dead), Queen for a Day (Queen) and Kozmic Thrills (Janis Joplin).

Nov. 3 at the Ridglea Theater, 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Doors open at 5 p.m. 817-738-9500. www.ridgleatheater.com. Front Gate Tickets.

{TriRight} $25.

Kids can craft really big puppets on Saturday in preparation for the Nov. 2 Día de Los Muertos Festival on the Rose Marine Plaza. The festival will feature folkloric music and dance, pan de muertos (bread in the shape of a skull) and a puppet parade.

Puppet workshop Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Festival Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Rose Marine Theater, 1440 N. Main, Fort Worth. 817-624-8333. www.rosemarinetheater.com.

{TriRight} Free.