Casa Círculo Cultural, in collaboration with the San Mateo County History Museum and the Redwood City Library, is set to host its 13th annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in downtown Redwood City on Sunday, Nov. 5.

This year, the event will spotlight the captivating traditions of the Mayan culture.

Scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. at Courthouse Square, the annual festivity has been a staple in Redwood City since it began in 2011. Starting at 6 p.m., guests of honor will initiate the event with a welcome speech and procession.

Each year, event planners choose a theme that resonates deeply with Mexican heritage and traditions. For this year, the focus is on Mayan culture, offering the community an opportunity to learn about an ancient civilization that was prominent in southern Mexico and Guatemala.

Visitors can look forward to a gamut of activities and offerings, including face painting, free children's events and live entertainment. Food vendors will also be selling traditional Mexican fare like hot chocolate, pan de muerto and tamales.

Attendees are invited to participate in building ceremonial altars, called ofrendas, for a special week-long exhibit at the San Mateo County History Museum. The exhibit will run from Nov. 5 to 11.

Though the Day of the Dead is a tradition steeped in the themes of mortality and the afterlife, the event focuses on the joyous aspect of remembrance. The Día de los Muertos offers a unique lens through which to celebrate life by honoring those who came before.

For more information on this year's Día de los Muertos celebration, visit the Casa Círculo Cultural's event page at casacirculocultural.org.