Hundreds of people turned out Sunday afternoon and evening to be part of the Night of 1000 pumpkins and Day of the Dead celebration at the B/IAS (Burien Interim Art Space) in downtown Burien. The event marks the final celebration in the year long history of the area, dedicated to a celebration of the arts. The land is currently in negotiations for sale and potential development with some talk about a 10 screen cinema coming to the area.

The event featured live music, food, a pumpkin 'Pachinko machine" fire dancers and thousands of pumpkins many of which were brought to the event by people just wanting to join the fun. As the evening progressed and darkness fell the pumpkins were lit and the art space's fire sculptures were lit as people crowded around for warmth in the cool night air. After dark there was a fire dancing show put on by the fire performing dance troupe Pyrosutra, whose fiery antics had the audiences rapt attention until the show was over.

The Day of the Dead or Dai de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico and the southwestern United States and coincides with christian All Souls and All Saints days. On November 1st and 2nd people remember those who are deceased. Pictures of the deceased are placed on altars with their favorite food and drink, candles to light their way home and soap and water to freshen up after their long trip back.

Click the image above to see a slideshow of the event