
Decorative crafted calacas (skulls) and sugar skulls are often included as decoration. It’s common to showcase personal belongings from your departed relatives, along with offerings of pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and their favorite meals. The ofrenda should be sure to feature all four elements: earth (food), water (a jug of water), wind (papel picado), and fire (candles). Marigolds are the flower of choice, and the display also usually includes brightly colored fruit. The Day of the Dead altar is typically adorned with a colorful tablecloth and cut paper decorations known as papel picado. This typically features multiple levels - the top for photos and items to remember your loved ones by, and the bottom for a delicious offering of food and drink.


These altars aren’t for worship, though: They’re to honor your lost loved ones and make them feel comfortable and welcomed during their journey back to the living for the holiday.įind a cozy corner of your home and build your ofrenda. The ofrenda, or altar, is a central part of any Dia de los Muertos celebration.
#DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DECORATIONS HOW TO#
Here’s how to honor the day with traditions, cooking, visitations, and more. The tradition of celebrating the Day of the Dead lives on. It’s a celebration of life and death - a time to honor departed loved ones not with sadness but with joy, excitement, and color. The holiday takes place every year between October 31 and November 2 (overlapping with All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2). The Day of the Dead ’s origins date back thousands of years to the Aztec and Nahua peoples, and it has long been celebrated in Mexican and Latin American culture. The name of the holiday is Spanish for “ Day of the Dead, ” and it’s a rich part of Mexican culture.

We’ll cover traditions, food inspiration, fun ideas, and some of our best-loved Dia de los Muertos party invites.ĭia de los Muertos is a cultural holiday that honors the dead. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of our favorite ideas of how to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Colorful decorations, delicious food, and rich costumery await - but what’s the best way to celebrate? Dia de los Muertos is approaching, and it’s time to start planning how you’re going to celebrate this major holiday.
