Avenue of Altars

In Mexico, the traditional family altar explodes with color during Day of the Dead when many special items are set out as offerings to the returning spirits. The entire family will work together in the decoration much the same as Americans who decorate a Christmas tree together. Many families spend up to two month’s earnings on the food & decorations for their ofrendas. Regional custom and tradition have a lot to do with what people put on their altars, but in Southern Mexico, several things are a must: an arch made of sugar cane, candles, copal incense, a glass of water for the weary traveling spirit, flowers ~ especially orange marigolds (cempasuchil) and red cocks combs ~ special foods like tamales and mole, skeleton decorations and sugar skulls.

The altar provides a feast for the visiting spirits. Favorite items of the person being honored are displayed on the altar. On November 1st ~ the day honoring children ~ altars are filled with everything in miniature: toys, chocolate, little glasses of milk & candies.

On November 2nd the day honoring adult spirits ~ cigarettes, mezcal, bottles of soda, stacks of handmade tortillas, pan de Muertos, special turkey in mole sauce, nuts, tamales, and special personal items of the muerto adorn the altar. Usually these are all the loved ones favorite foods.

An altar my honor one or more person and a cross made of marigold petals recognizes each person. Names of the honored guests are put on sugar skulls, oranges, apples and big loaves of bread. Little skeleton figurines and sugar skulls are used to decorate the altar and poke fun at death.

For more information about what goes in a traditional Ofrenda or to buy supplies, visit MexicanSugarSkulls.com here!