While death is typically a somber affair, the Day of the Dead is a joyous celebration of life. For some, it can be perceived as morbid with dark undertones. However, the underlying themes are love, remembrance and honor. Día de los Muertos is an acceptance of death in place of mourning life lost, a celebration of life lived. It helps families and children come to terms with death, perhaps life’s greatest unknown and fear.

In San Francisco's Mission District, Día de los Muertos is celebrated with altars, festive costumes and face paint and a parade, all honoring those we've lost. Dijon Bowden of Souls of San Francisco joined the masses to document this beautiful festival. Check out the full gallery here.

“I love the culture and spirit of this event. I’m meeting a friend here, we both lost our mothers last year.”

“I’ve lived in this neighborhood for years and have been coming the whole time. I teach preschool right down the street, so now I’m getting the kids involved.”

“As an artist I love the creativity showcased here; there are so many different types of costumes and styles of face paint!”

“I’m headed over to the shrines where people pay their respects. My daughter went last year.”

“Día de los Muertos is all about honoring those who’ve passed, embracing the darkness in a way to commune with those spirits. I don’t know if I believe in all that, but I do like to imagine things as I’m watching the parade…I like to imagine the spirits dancing on the heads of the people in the parade.”