As a Colombian mom, I’ve always admired how Mexican culture celebrates and remembers the dead through Día de Muertos. It’s such a beautiful way to honor loved ones who have passed. While this tradition is rooted in Mexican culture, the act of remembering and celebrating those we've lost isn't limited to just one country—it's something many of us in the Latine community connect with. This blog post wonderfully captures that spirit, as contributing writer, Lizzy Carrk shares her personal journey of creating her own Día de Muertos altar after becoming a mom, blending childhood memories from Mexico with her experiences in the U.S.
Steps to Set Up a Día de Muertos Ofrenda and What to Include
Since becoming a mom, I knew I wanted to pass on my Hispanic Heritage and traditions to los bodoques. Growing up Latina, Mamá would take me to el Mercado de Portales to buy all the stuff for the altar. While some of the pieces could be re-used over the years, it was always fun to go on the hunt for new pieces, and of course pick some new papel picado, sugar and chocolate skulls (that you can eat after), and the fresh zempasúchitl (marigold flowers).
I started putting up my own altar in the US when I was pregnant with my first one. It suddenly hit me, Día de Muertos was coming and if I did not celebrate it and make it a tradition, no one would. Fortunately, I had already bought some pieces on my last trip to Mexico: a couple of ceramic skulls, papel picado, and a Virgen candle. At the time we were in Brooklyn and it was easy to find a good bakery for the pan de muerto and candies. Looking back, I can see how my altar has evolved and slowly but surely will become the grand, beautiful altar that we used to have back at Mamá's home.
Putting up an altar can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it. Altars and celebrating Day of the Dead is not only a Mexican tradition, in fact, it is celebrated all over Latin America, and each country incorporates its own elements and traditions. Below are the essential elements for putting up an altar and their meanings—each element has a purpose and its meaning is tightly tied to our Hispanic culture.
Where to find the elements for an altar? There are many pieces produced by small businesses in the US that are handcrafted by immigrants or small businesses that have a commitment to support Mexican artisans. Please avoid mass-produced pieces or overpriced pieces that do not credit or support the artisans.
The Elements of The Día de Muertos Altar
An altar as we know it in Mexico has 3 levels that represent from bottom to top – the floor or The Underworld, the base or This World, and the top or The Spirit World. Since this tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic Mexico, altars nowadays combine elements from our indigenous people as well as the Catholic religion.
The Bottom Level of a Día de Los Muertos Altar - The Underworld
The Underworld: The Underworld represents where the dead reside. It represents la tierra or where the souls rest. In pre-Hispanic Mexico, the floors were dirt, giving a direct connection with the earth. A cross with cal (rock salt) was drawn in the dirt to indicate the cardinal points and help indicate the way back home. Nowadays, the cross can be incorporated as a Catholic cross due to the mixture of pre-Hispanic and Colonial cultures. I cannot burn copal at home as we get allergies but still keep the 3 levels.
Elements Representing The Underworld on a Day of the Dead Altar
Salt – Purifies and preserves the soul to help them on their journey and safely return.
Zempasúchitl (marigold flowers) – These will indicate the path for the soul to return home with their scent. If you cannot find fresh marigolds, you can purchase beautiful paper marigolds.
Baby’s breath flower (flor de nube) – This will indicate the path for the children/baby’s souls.
Water – A glass of water to clean and purify – also said to be for the soul that will be thirsty from the long trip.
Candles – Essential light to illuminate the path for our ancestors to find the way home. In this level, it represents the purification of the soul and guidance.
The Middle Level of a Día de Los Muertos Altar - This World
This World: This World represents the world of the living and is where ofrendas or offerings are made to honor and remember the deceased. This is where we put all the things that remind us of our loved ones and their favorite things so when they come home they can enjoy them.
Elements Representing This World on a Day of the Dead Altar
Tablecloth – Start with a colorful tablecloth – Alma's Oilcloth and Chucherias has a good variety to choose from. Personally loved these:
Foods – Your ancestors’ favorite foods – while in Mexico many families still cook the actual dish, nowadays many also add the miniature version. You can also add their favorite fruits and veggies. You can also include little treats for your deceased pets; they are loved ones too. These are thought to nourish them during their stay.
Pan de Muerto – Pan de Muerto (sweet Day of the Dead Mexican bread) – this is an absolutely delicious combination of orange zest, aniseed, and sugar and more sugar!! It represents the generosity of the host and is a traditional is a traditional offering. Nothing compares to going to your local bakery and getting it out of the oven fresh and warm. However, if you do not have one near you, mexgrocer.com has a pack of medium and small. I did order the first year I was
For authentic Mexican chocolate and other sweets, mexgrocer.com has a variety of products to choose from.
Beverages, candy, and sweets – Think of your loved one's favorite drinks, desserts, or sweets. For kids, candy is a favorite. My go-to place is mexgrocer.com. The shipping can get a bit pricey, but it’s worth it if you’re buying most of the elements there.
Sugar Skulls - Sugar skulls represent the cycle of life and death. They are colorful with intricate and fun designs, symbolizing the celebration of life. Many times, each one represents a loved one who has passed away and may be personalized with their name or favorite colors. Chocolate skulls represent the sweetness of life and can be personalized too–these represent each of your ancestors.
Personal belongings - Objects that were important to your loved ones when they were alive, like books, keepsakes, games, instruments, or anything they loved, can be represented. For children’s souls, you can place toys, kids' books, or anything they loved. For pets, you can even include a favorite squeaky toy.
Pictures of the departed - The pictures represent a powerful way to call the spirit back to this world. I like using ornate frames as it feels more special and intentional. Don't forget your departed pets; they are celebrated too.
Candles – This level honors their memory and our continued connection between the living and the dead.
Other elements of the altar: It is common to add other decorations to the altar, like family heirlooms, as well as Catrinas, ceramic skulls, calacas, and nichos–wooden boxes depicting social scenes with calaca characters.
The Top Level of a Dia de Los Muertos Altar - The Spirit World
The spirit world: This level represents the spiritual world, the heavens, gods, and divine beings that guide our loved ones.
Elements Representing The Spirit World on a Day of the Dead Altar
Religious Images – Often Catholic elements, such as a cross, a candle with a Saint, or a figurine of a Saint.
Papel picado (tissue paper) – This represents the happiness of reuniting with our family and the fragility of life. Papel picado is a traditional art passed down through generations, typically made in Mexico. If you're buying some, I encourage purchasing the original tissue paper versions rather than the mass-produced plastic ones. You can find authentic options on Etsy, such as from MesaChic or mycajita.com.
Copal and incense – This cleans and purifies the space for the souls to come and wards off evil spirits.
Candles – This level guides the spirits back to the altar and honors the divine beings that guide them home.
Supporting Artisan Communities When You Set Up Your Dia De Los Muertos Altar
When buying authentic or ethically sourced pieces, you’re supporting artisan communities. Novae Artis offers unique pieces from the Huichol community. Follow them on IG @Novaeartis for new pieces. Use code MILEGASIDDM15 for a 15% discount.
ChasingCamilla on Etsy has super cute, ceramic hand-painted items. Follow her on IG @ChasingCamilla.
Alma’s Oilcloth & Chucherias is a great one-stop shop for mini ofrendas, papel picado, calaca figurines, and nichos. Everything is handmade and unique.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Day of the Dead Altar or Ofrenda
If this is your first year creating a Day of the Dead Altar, don’t get overwhelmed. Use what you already have at home and let it evolve over the years. As I said, I started with their pictures, papel picado, and some calaveritas. Over the years, I’ve acquired different elements to make it prettier and more like what I remember from back home.
Last but not least, turn on Las Calaveras de Felix Canales to get in the spirit, decorate with the lil’ Latinx to pass on your Latine and Hispanic Heritage, and have fun celebrating your muertitos coming back home!
Additional Dia de Los Muertos Resources
Download this Free Dia De Los Muertos Timelineto help you plan and celebrate Day of the Dead day by day and remember your loved ones.
Listen to an in depth podcast on Dia de Los Muertos:
509-Dia de Los Muertos: Everything You Want to Know
Day of the Dead Facts and Interview with Mexican Mom, Lizzy Rodriguez
Additional Resources for Celebrating Cultura With Your Kids
Found this blog post helpful? Sharing our Hispanic and Latinx traditions and language with our kids is at the forefront of our mission here at Mi Legasi. Here are additional resources to help you do this:
- Bilingual Parenting Course: Learn how to raise a bilingual Spanish child with confidence. Gain practical strategies, access to a Bilingual Resources Directory packed with toys, books, and media, plus a supportive private community.
- Bilingual Parenting Book: My easy-to-read book, Nobody Told Me This About Raising a Bilingual Child, is a practical guide to bilingual parenting and makes a great gift for new parents.
- The Latina Mom Legacy Podcast: Tune in for inspiring stories and expert tips for raising bilingual kids. Check out episodes related to Día de los Muertos to dive deeper into the celebration.
No matter which path you choose, rest assured that we're here to support your bilingual parenting journey in every way.
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