From Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, Latin communities fondly honor their ancestors through the vibrant, time-honored tradition of Día de los Muertos. The celebration serves as a poignant bridge between the living and the departed, taking many forms, from communal gatherings to days spent at cemeteries cleaning and visiting the “difuntos,” or deceased.

One of the most meaningful ways to honor the dearly departed during Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is to create an “ofrenda,” a ceremonial altar filled with meaningful items that represent the lives and interests of those who have passed.

People who celebrate Día de los Muertos generally believe this is the time of year when the spiritual world opens up to connect with the living. The “ofrenda” acts as a welcoming station or symbolic portal, guiding the spirits on their journey back home.

The word “ofrenda” means “offering,” and common offerings include photographs, candles, favorite foods, flowers and symbolic decorations. When learning how to set up an “ofrenda,” it helps to understand that traditions vary by region and family. There is no single perfect design. Rather, the goal is to create a respectful space that celebrates memory, family bonds, and the enduring presence of those who came before us.

Historical Origins

Long before Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas, the Aztecs honored the dead and “Mictēcacihuātl,” the Lady of the Dead, through a monthlong summer festival and offerings. Ancient Aztec communities celebrated with music, danced in skeletal masks, and left food at altars where they believed souls of the dead returned to visit and taste the essence of the food left behind.

When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they introduced Catholicism to Mesoamerica, leading Indigenous spiritual practices to merge with European religious dates.

This fusion of Spanish colonization and Indigenous traditions gave rise to the modern Día de los Muertos we know today.

How to Build a Day of the Dead Altar

Location

Placing an “ofrenda” in a central room or living area shows that the family welcomes the dead back into their home. Building an “ofrenda” at a cemetery directly connects the spirits to their final resting place and gathers the community in celebration.

Structure

An “ofrenda” is usually built in tiers, or levels, to represent different realms of the universe: earth, purgatory and heaven. The seven-level “ofrenda” is one of the most traditional structures because it represents the seven steps a soul must climb to reach eternal rest.

Top levels hold pictures of the main ancestor being honored, or images of saints. Middle levels hold food, beverages, favorite items, and photos of deceased loved ones to comfort the spirits after their long journey. Bottom levels hold candles, copal incense, and a cross to guide the souls and protect them from bad spirits.

The number and meaning of the tiers change depending on family traditions.

Elements

Every traditional “ofrenda” includes symbolic items:

Fire: Candles guide the souls home.

Water: A glass of fresh water quenches their thirst.

Wind: Cut tissue paper known as “papel picado” represents the breeze carrying the spirits.

Earth: Food nourishes the spirits. Traditionally, “pan de muerto” and sugar skulls are included in the “ofrenda.” “Pan de muerto,” Spanish for “bread of the dead,” is a sweet, soft bread shaped like a bun and often decorated with bone-shaped pieces.

No “ofrenda” is complete without favorite personal objects that define the person being honored.

For many, Día de los Muertos is a way to honor ancestors, preserve cultural identity, and affirm the continuity between the living and the dead. Honoring the dearly departed with a joyful approach can help mourners process emotions and reinforce a sense of belonging between generations.