Build Your Own Ofrenda At Home

Ready to make some magic? Whether it’s your first time or a cherished family tradition, building an altar is a beautiful way to honor your loved ones and celebrate their memories. Follow these simple steps to make this Día de los Muertos unforgettable!

Step 1: Gather Your Essentials!

To start, there are a few key items that represent the four classical elements—Wind, Land, Water, and Fire. These essentials welcome the spirits of our loved ones back to the world of the living for a vibrant celebration of life.

Ofrendas are often built with 2 tiers to symbolize the separation of sky and land, 3 tiers to represent the heavens, earth, and the underworld, or 7 tiers to depict the stages a soul must pass through to reach peace.

• Papel Picado: These colorful paper banners represent festive joy as well as the fragility of life. Colors can have specific meanings: purple for mourning, white for purity, and orange for pre-Hispanic traditions. 
• Seeds: Corn kernels, cocoa, fruit seeds, or spices, representing the land. 
• Water: A glass of water represents life, and is refreshing for the spirits after their long journey.
• Candles or Veladores: Illuminate your altar! Often arranged at each of the cardinal directions, candles represent light and hope, ensuring the souls do not lose their way.

Did you know? Altars are often built with 2 tiers to symbolize the separation of sky and land, 3 tiers to represent the heavens, earth, and the underworld, or even 7 tiers, depicting the many stages a soul must pass through to reach tranquility. 

Step 2: Personalize Your Ofrenda!

Now it’s time to make your ofrenda truly yours. Every item you add tells a story and helps your loved ones feel welcomed and remembered.

• Photos of Your Loved Ones: We place photographs of our loved ones at the highest point of the altar. They serve as visual reminders of the departed and signify their welcome return. 
• Personal Mementos: Include meaningful items such as jewelry, books, clothing, musical instruments, or handwritten letters—anything that reminds you of your loved ones.
• Favorite Foods & Drinks: Did your tio love tamales or your abuela enjoy a shot of tequila? Add their favorite foods and drinks as an offering to share with them.

Pro Tip: Invite your neighbors, friends, and family members to contribute mementos for their own loved ones. Día de los Muertos is all about community, and your altar can become a shared space of remembrance and celebration!

Step 3: Decorate with Joy!

Bring your ofrenda to life with colorful gifts. The more festive, the better! Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and love—not a somber event—so go all out with the decorations.

• Marigolds (Cempasúchil): These bright “flowers of the dead” call to spirits with their scent and vibrant color.
• Sugar Skulls: These joyful skulls made from sugar, chocolate, amaranth, or clay, represent the departed. These can bear the names of the deceased and are placed on the altar as a stylish reminder of their presence.
• Incense: Burn copal incense to purify the space and invite good spirits into your home.
• Alebrijes: These vibrant, fantastical creatures made of paper-mâché or wood, are often included in altars to help protect the spirits during their journey. 

Fun Fact! Did you know pets have their own special day during Día de los Muertos? That’s right—October 27th is dedicated to our furry friends who’ve passed on. Don’t forget a favorite toy for them on your ofrenda!

Step 4: Share Your Ofrenda with the World!

Now that your altar is full, it’s time to share it with the world! Take photos and post them on social media with the hashtag #EnSuMemoria and don’t forget to tag @EquisCulture. 

One more thing: Read here to learn how this Election Day, we’re making our vote an ofrenda!

Let’s come together to make Día de los Muertos bigger, brighter, and more meaningful than ever—we can’t wait to see how you celebrate!out to Congress, and spread the word. Together, we can make this a reality.