Home Altars — Ofrendas (Día de los Muertos VI)

Ofrenda altar for Day of the Dead Full Image

This is the time when Mexican families create special home altars called ofrendas (literally, “offerings”) dedicated to the spirits of their deceased loved ones.

The altars range from the very simple to the highly elaborate, and are usually arranged with objects that brought joy and pleasure to the departed person during their life, including favorite foods (such as fruit and chocolate) as well as beverages (tequila) and perhaps cigarettes. Altars dedicated to the spirits of deceased children will include their favorite toys, candy and other sweets.

Full Image

Salt and water are also essential, for they quench the thirst of the souls, tired from their long journey back to this world. And, of course, pan de muerto (“bread of the dead”).

Ofrendas are usually set up on a table covered with a tablecloth and are typically decorated with cempasúchil (marigolds) and papel picado (“tissue paper cut-outs”). Candles are lit to guide the spirits, and copal incense is burned to carry prayers to God as well as attract the souls of the dead and ward off evil spirits. In addition, a gourd containing a small portion of food is hung at the entrance of homes for those souls who have no one to remember them.

The ofrendas pictured here are not in private homes, but are set up in more public spaces. They reflect the ancient the ancient belief that death is a part of life—a belief that still permeates daily life in Mexico.