“PICTURES: Viva la Vida: Austin’s Día de Los Muertos Celebration at Mexic-Arte, October 24th 2009″

Growing up in Texas, it’s almost like you get TWO Halloweens: Halloween (October 31st) and El Día de los Muertos (November 2nd).  No, “Day of the Dead” is not when the undead (aka Zombies) inherit the Earth; instead, it’s a reason to celebrate the cycle of life.  The living create alters with offerings of favorite foods, liquors and other memorabilia to share with the deceased.  It’s also a day to reminisce and tell stories of the departed.

Since the early 1900′s, stylized skulls (calaveras) have become a symbol of the holiday.  Sculptures, paintings and skull figurines can be found every where. People even paint their faces like skulls.

In Austin, the largest Día de los Muertos celebration is held by the Mexic-Arte Museum. Now in it’s 26th year, the celebration includes a costumed procession, a Frida Kahlo look-a-like contest, a street festival, kids crafts, food and lots of live music.

Check out the pictures and video, below, to get a sampling of the sites, sounds and people at Mexic-Arte’s 26th Annual El Día de los Muertos Celebration.

SEE: Chris snapped photos of costumes, people and art at the festival. More photos after the jump. You can see the full set of Día de los Muertos photos on our Flickr feed.

WATCH: Rachel’s 2-minute video with lots of costumes, dancing and an interview with Austin comic book creator and anti-gentrification advocate The Really White Vigilante.

Click for more photos —>