In the past, altars were only built inside people’s homes as a personal connection to their loved ones on the Other Side. Papel picado – These decorative pieces of cut paper are draped around the altar’s edge or hung from above.Ĭeramics and woven baskets – were traditionally included in Day of the Dead altars. Images of saints – or other role models who were important in the dead person’s life. Items that once belonged to the deceased – Mementos and other things the dead person enjoyed in life are laid out on the altar, and often new things are bought too. Other drinks – The favorite drink of the deceased is also laid out on the altar, whether it is tequila, whisky, soda, or anything else! Water – Souls are thirsty after their long journey from the Other Side, so they appreciate a glass of water upon arrival. They can’t they have no bodies! Instead, they absorb the aroma and energy of the food, which nourishes their spirits.Īfter the holiday is over, the foods and drinks on the altars are distributed amongst family and friends, but the foods and drinks are now tasteless and devoid of nutritional value, because their essence is gone. The souls that visit their altars do not actually eat or drink what is on the altar. Altars also usually include the dead person’s favorite foods, including modern foods like Rice Krispies or potato chips! Other foods – Traditional Day of the Dead foods that you would find on altars include atole, mole, tamales, and tortillas.

Sugar skulls – As symbols of death and the afterlife, sugar skulls are not only given as gifts to the living during Day of the Dead, they are also placed as offerings on the altar.įresh fruit – whatever is in season oranges, bananas, etc. Pan de muerto – Also known as “bread of the dead”, pan de muerto is a symbol of the departed. Photo of the deceased – A framed photo of the dead person to whom the altar is dedicated, usually positioned in a prime spot on the altar. Salt – represents the continuance of life. The scent is also said to guide the spirits back to their altars

Incense – Most commonly, copal incense, which is the dried aromatic resin from a tree native to Mexico. Marigold petals may also be sprinkled on the floor in front of the altar, or even sprinkled along a path from the altar to the front door, so that the spirit may find her way inside. Their strong fragrance also help lead the dead back to their altars. Marigolds – These yellow-orange flowers, also called cempasúchitl, symbolize death. Here are the ofrendas that you will typically see on a Dia de los Muertos altar:Ĭandles – Candles are lit to welcome the spirits back to their altars. Whether simple or sophisticated, Day of the Dead altars and ofrenda all contain certain basic elements in common. An arch made of marigolds is often erected over top of the altar. The table or crates are draped with cloth (or sometimes a paper or plastic covering).

Altars have at least two tiers, sometimes more. They don’t want their loved ones to show up after a long, tedious journey from the Other Side to be greeted by a meager, half-hearted altar!Ī Day of the Dead altar is usually arranged on a table top that is used exclusively for the altar, or it is built from stacks of crates. This is because they want the best for their deceased loved ones. It is common for families to spend a lot of money for the Day of the Dead, to buy new things to go on their altars. People make an effort to lay out the best ofrenda they can afford, consisting of things the dead person enjoyed while s/he was alive. These are items that the spirits will enjoy when they come back to earth to visit their living families and friends. On top of the altar, offerings are laid out for the dead known as ofrendas. Other altars are more modest, but are still built with sincere, loving intentions. Some people even start weeks in advance and hire professionals to build elaborate altars. Traditionally, every family in Mexico builds an altar on the days leading up to November 1. Creating these altars is one of the most important traditions during Day of the Dead in Mexico and in Mexican-American communities around the globe. They are often quite beautiful creations, constructed with love and care. Day of the Dead altars are built during Dia de los Muertos to honor the lives of those who have passed.

Day of the dead flower arch