To some people they represent the element air for the way they move.ĭay of the Dead Bread Day of the dead bread or pan de muertos is different in every region of the country and one of the most important elements in the altar as it is a fraternal offering to the souls in the catholic sense. The papel picado or chiseled paper are paper flags chiseled with saints' figures or skulls and skeletons that are placed like a table cloth in the altar. In the places where it's set it can be made with cempasuchil flowers like in Michoacán State, or of reed like in Puebla State. Symbolizes the entrance to the world of the dead.

In some areas altars are made with two levels that symbolize heaven and earth in others they are made with three levels for heaven, purgatory and earth and there are places where altars with seven levels are placed, each of these levels represents the steps a soul has to make to get to heaven. The cempasuchil or flor de muertos (flower of the dead) is one of the most used flowers during the celebration in some places its petals are set to make a path from the house door to the altar thus showing the way to the returning souls. The flowers used to decorate the altars are known as Day of the Dead Flowers, and their use depends on local costumes, local availability and financial capacity. The altar is decorated with fresh flowers as it is believed that their scent will make the returning souls feel welcomed and happy. Most altars would include some or all of these elements:Ī picture of the evoked relative is placed in the altar to make him present and revive his image. Other elements are shared everywhere in the country. Cempasuchil and other Day of the Dead flowers are added to the altar together with spicy tamales, alcoholic drinks and cigarettes.ĭay of the Dead altars are set with different elements depending on the region these differences are established by the availability, seasonal flowers and fruits and the traditional food from the area. On the eve of November first, the children elements on the altar are eaten or removed is time to honor the adults. Every element in the altar must be suitable for children.

The Day of the Dead altars for the children are set on the eve of October 31st with hoary stock and baby's breath flowers their white color symbolizing the purity of the children's souls.Ĭhildren's souls are treated with sweet tamales, hot chocolate, atole (corn based hot drink), fruits, candies and toys. The Day of the Dead altars are the most prominent feature in the celebration because they show the souls the way to their home.Īltars make the souls ( animas) feel welcomed and show them they have not been forgotten. Day of the Dead altars known as altares de muertos or ofrendas are set during the Day of the Dead celebrations on November 1 and 2 to honor the dead children and adults.ĭay of the Dead celebrations are based in the belief that the souls of the ones gone can come back to this world on these days.

Dia de los muertos altar decorations