Birmingham’s Day of the Dead festival marks its 20th year in 2022, and that’s a great reason to celebrate.

The colorful and vibrant event, also known as Dia de los Muertos, is inspired by traditions in Mexico, paying tribute to loved ones who’ve passed away. Although the festival has a serious theme, it’s also filled with joyful celebration, demonstrating love and respect for family members and friends who are no longer with us.

Bare Hands Inc., a nonprofit organization, has produced the city’s Day of the Dead event since 2003. The festival — which organizers liken to Decoration Day in the South — has changed locations a few times over the years. Dia de Los Muertos had its origins at the former Bare Hands Gallery, 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. South. The event moved to an outdoor space on First Avenue South when the gallery closed, then relocated to Cahaba Brewing Co. and Pepper Place.

RELATED: Day of the Dead celebration to rise again in Alabama

This year’s event is set for Wednesday (Nov. 2) at Sloss Furnaces, 20 32nd St. North. Hours are 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance via Instagift, $20 at the gate. Admission is free for kids age 12 and younger.

If you’ve never been to Dia de los Muertos, or simply need a refresher course, here’s what you’ll find on site.

COMMEMORATIVE ALTARS

The festival resembles a giant art installation, emphasizing handcrafted altars decorated with items that celebrate the memories of people (and sometimes pets) who’ve passed away.

“Ancient belief asserts that the souls of the deceased come to visit during Día de los Muertos, guided by the familiar sights and fragrances of the items on their altars and the sound of their loved ones gathered round,” festival organizers say. “These personal memorials, known as altars or ofrendas, vary from a single photograph of a loved one to an elaborate shrine in honor of them. Everyone is welcome to bring a small altar to the festival. There will be a large covered public altar space for attendees to add their personal items.”

SUGAR SKULLS

Many altars at the festival are adorned with sugar skulls, typically made of a granulated white sugar mixture that’s pressed into skull-shaped molds and decorated. However, sugar skulls can be created with chocolate, clay or other materials.

REVELERS IN COSTUME

Many folks who who attend the festival paint their faces, put on masks or wear costumes to accord with the Dia de los Muertos theme. Artist Frida Kahlo is a popular inspiration, along with skeletons, sugar skulls, butterflies and mariachi performers.

MUSIC AND DANCE

The entertainment lineup for this year includes Mariachi Premier de America (5-5:30 p.m. courtyard stroll, 5:50-6:20 p.m. on the main stage), Ballet Folklorico Corazon Azteca (5:20-5:40 p.m.) and ETER4, a bilingual Latin rock band. (8:30-10 p.m.)

MEMORIAL ROLL CALL

“To honor passed loved ones, the festival emcees will call out the names of loved ones who are no longer with us in this life as part of the memorial roll call,” festival organizers say. “Participants in the audience answer ‘present’ or ‘presente,’ or however they wish to recognize their departed loved ones. This is done to honor their memory and to remind attendees that they remain in their hearts and lives. A video of the names will play in the altars area inside the tent marked ‘Memorial Roll Call’ during the festival.”

Names for the roll call are submitted in advance by folks who attend the festival.

SECOND LINE PROCESSION

A New Orleans Style funeral procession, or second line, is set for 6:50-7:20 p.m. on site. A jazz band leads the procession, which includes large puppets.

FOOD TRUCKS

Traditional Latin cuisine will be on the menu, prepared by Corazon Mexican Food, El Sazon Casero, Frida’s, Los Valedores, Mi Pueblo Supermarket, Pollo Goyo, Pupuseria Lupita, Sol Azteca, Taco Morro Loco, Tacos Toluca, Tamale Queen, Taqueria Las Garzas, Taqueria Mexico and more. There’s a beer garden, margaritas, sodas and other beverages.

ARTIST MARKET

Vendors will offer handmade jewelry, sculptures, paintings, glass, ceramics, Day of the Dead posters and more. Commemorative T-shirts and limited-edition prints have been designed by this year’s featured artist, Craig Legg. Masks created by area artists will be on sale at the event, as well.

FRIDA KAHLO CEREMONY

A ceremony, set for 7:20-7:50 p.m., will honor the memory of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), a Mexican painter known for her surreal portraits, self-portraits and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico.

CHILDREN’S AREA

Activities for kids are part of the festival, details TBA.