Guide · Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos altar: what goes on the ofrenda and what each element means

The ofrenda is how families welcome home those who are gone. Every element has a meaning, and the most important one is their photo: it says who we are waiting for.

This holiday is inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Here's the essentials for building yours, sourced from the Mexican government.

When is it set up?

October 31: the ofrenda for children, the "angelitos", is prepared (INPI).
November 1: the children's souls arrive (INPI).
November 2: in much of Mexico, adults are welcomed. In Puerto Rico and other countries it's All Souls' Day (Día de los Fieles Difuntos), when many families visit the cemetery.

What goes on the ofrenda and what it means

The portrait: It says who the ofrenda is for: the loved one's photo means that person will come to visit. In the tradition described by Mexico's INPI, the portrait is placed partly hidden, so it is seen reflected in a mirror.
Water: Offered so the souls can quench their thirst after the long journey and have strength for the return.
Salt: The element of purification.
Candles: They stand for faith and hope and guide the souls back home. In some communities there is one candle for each person being remembered.
Cempasúchil (marigolds): The symbol of the holiday. Its color was associated with the Sun, and its petals are laid as a path that guides the souls to the altar.
Papel picado: It adds color and joy to the ofrenda and represents air.
Copal and incense: They lift up prayer and cleanse the space.
Pan de muerto: The fraternal offering.
Their favorite food and drink: Dishes such as mole, whose aromas delight the visiting soul. Many families cook exactly what their loved one enjoyed.
Sugar skulls: A reminder that death is always present.
For children: The altar for the "angelitos" has food without chile, white flowers and candles, alfeñique sweets, clay toys and miniature bread.

The photo: the most important element

Without the photo, the ofrenda has no name. A few tips for choosing it and keeping it safe:

Choose the photo where their face is clearest, even if other parts are damaged.
Use a printed copy, not the original: candle heat and humidity damage old photos.
If the only photo is torn, stained or blurry, it can be restored without changing their face.
A card with their name and years helps the little ones know who we're remembering.

How we restore old photos without changing the face →

Sources

Frequently asked questions

When do you set up a Día de Muertos altar?＋

According to Mexico's INPI, the children's ofrenda is prepared on October 31, and the children's souls arrive on November 1. In much of Mexico, adults are welcomed on November 2. Many families set it up a few days earlier so it's ready.

Which photo goes on the ofrenda?＋

One where your loved one's face is clearly visible. If it's the only one you have and it's torn, stained or blurry, it can be restored and printed, so the original stays safe away from the candles.

What size should I print the photo?＋

The most common altar sizes are 4×6, 5×7 or 8×10 inches. Many pharmacies and stores print the same day.

Can I put a pet's photo on the altar?＋

Yes. Many families remember their pets on the altar too, and many do it around October 27.

Do I have to include every element?＋

No. Every region and every family has its own customs. What matters is remembering your loved one with the things they loved.