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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.
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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.
























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