RALEIGH, N.C. — Members of the public are invited to place mementos or pictures of their loved ones who have died at a "Day of the Dead" altar at Oakwood Cemetery. 

The altar coincides with Saturday’s Day of the Dead 5k that will benefit the Brentwood Boys and Girls Club.

What You Need To Know

  • The ofrenda, or altar, is placed at the entrance of Oakwood Cemetery
  • Anyone from the public can place a photo or item that reminds them of their loved one 
  • The 5k race takes place on Saturday to benefit the Brentwood Boys and Girls Club

Organizers keep the items that are placed at the altar year after year, but make space for new items from the public. 

Angela Salamanca, of Centro in Raleigh, started the race and altar several years ago when her colleagues at the time created an ofrenda for her sister after she passed away.  

"It really spoke to the grief I had been carrying," Salamanca explained.

​Anyone from the public can place a photo or memento at the altar at Oakwood Cemetery during the hours it is open. 

“This is just an open space for anybody who feels called to remember a loved one who has passed," Salamanca said.

The race takes place in Raleigh on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 10:00 a.m.

You can register right up until the time of the race.