While Halloween has been reduced to sexy Big Bird costumes for many Americans, the significance of the holiday is still remembered by some cultures on our continent.

El Día de los Muertos, translated to “the Day of the Dead,” is a Latin American take on All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1), a day of remembrance for those loved ones who’ve passed before us. The practice of honoring the souls of the dead has made its way from Mexico to different parts of the world, including Buffalo.

On Nov. 2, Casa de Arte and Canisius College bring Jacinto Cruz, a visiting artist from Oaxaca, to the college’s Montante Cultural Center, 2001 Main St. in Buffalo, where he will construct a traditional El Día de los Muertos altar to honor deceased ancestors. The event will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Rounding out Day of the Dead weekend is a reception Nov. 3 at Casa de Arte, 141 Elmwood Ave., that will feature Mexican folk art, including “Catrina,” a 9-foot-tall skeleton dress in upper-class turn-of-the-century garb. According to a Casa de Arte statement, Catrina symbolizes “La Muerte,” or death. Attendees are invited to bring “ofrendas,” or offerings, or place sugar skulls on an altar to honor the dearly departed.