One of the Oakland Museum of California’s most-anticipated annual events is the community celebration commemorating Días de Los Muertos, or the Days of the Dead.

This year’s was no exception, as hundreds of folks - especially, families with little ones - flocked to the museum to honor one of California’s most sacred traditions.

"Love & Loss: Días de los Muertos 2011" is the 17th annual event honor the holiday - which runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 - in Mexican and many indigenous cultures, including the Ohlone Indians - the original residents of the Bay Area - and the Aztecs.

Fittingly, the celebration began with a ceremonial dance by Danza Xiuhcoatl, a folkloric troupe sporting vibrant Aztec regalia, feathers and all. Prayers were made to the four directions, the bounty of the earth and those who have passed over to the spirit world.

Other attractions and activities included music and theater performances by Ballet Folklorico Costa de Oro, La Familia, Pena Govea, Enrique Coria, Orquesta La Moderna Tradicion and Teatro Familia Aztlan. There was face-painting, storytelling, satellite altars, food vendors, a Mercado, hands-on activities and an exhibition, “Love and Loss” in the museum’s galleries. A closing ceremony with Guadelupe Avila and Yolanda Aranda Coria brought the proceedings to an end.

But it didn’t end there. Several of the “dead,” their faces painted like skulls, were later spotted walking in and around the Oakland Grown festival, hanging out with the living.