MYRTLE BEACH, SC.- Spooks, skeletons and cemeteries may be the stuff of nightmares for Westerners, but for Mexicans, they mean Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), a lighthearted occasion celebrated each November. The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum honors this ancient cultural tradition with a Free Family Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4, featuring foods, music, arts and activities for all ages. The celebration is co-sponsored by Myrtle Beach-based Latinoamericanos en Accion.

Despite its proximity to the Western holiday of Halloween, Dia de los Muertos traces its origins to Mexico�s Aztecs, who honored departed relatives by inviting their spirits to visit. Homes would be gaily decorated and the deceased loved ones� favorite foods would be prepared, along with special treats such as candy skulls inscribed with the names of the deceased, or special breads shaped like ghosts or bones.

The Museum�s celebration will give visitors a chance to sample these holiday treats, shop for Mexican arts and crafts at an outdoor market or be entertained by mariachi musicians and ballet folklorico under a tent. An altar in the main reception room will honor noted Mexican abstract painter Rufus Tamayo.

Workshops and demonstrations will be offered indoors in the art of making papel picado (paper banners), sugar skulls, paper flowers, masks, nichos (trinket boxes) and ojos de dios (eyes of God). Youngsters of all ages can enjoy traditional storytelling and face painting, and a chance at breaking the treat-laden pi�ata. A workshop led by Coastal Carolina University students will examine the work of famed muralist Diego Rivera.

Visitors of all ages can participate in loter�a (Mexican bingo). Lectures will be offered on the tradition of Day of the Dead altars and on collecting Mexican crafts. Those who really want to get into the spirit of the day can join in a salsa dance lesson provided by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

All events and activities are free. For more information, call the Museum at 843-238-2510 or visit www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org.