As a part of the tradition, families create ofrendas, altars with offerings, in their homes and/or public spaces to honor their deceased. 

These vibrant altars, serving as both an art form and a heartfelt expression of love for departed family members, do not serve a purpose of worship. Instead, their primary function is to serve as a means of remembering and celebrating a life that was once lived.

These altars are organized into several layers, with at least three tiers . The top tier features photographs of the dearly departed, along with religious statues or symbols, often including La Virgen Guadalupe. The second tier is dedicated to ofrendas (0ffereings): toys, such as clay made Xolo dogs (the Mexican hairless dog) for departed children and bottles of tequila, mezcal, or atole for departed adults. Personal mementos and the favorite food or sweets of the deceased are also placed here, along with Pan de Muerto. The third tier is adorned with lit candles, and some individuals even include a washbasin and towel, allowing the spirits of the departed to refresh themselves upon their arrival at the altar.

View some of our past altars below: