Feliz Dia de Los Muertos! The holiday is coming up on November 1, and chances are that even if you’re unsure what it's all about, you’ve at least seen sugar skulls decorating the city, and sometimes inked onto the city’s inhabitants. Here’s a breakdown to help prep you for the holiday by helping you make your very own ofrenda—an altar that is a huge part of the festivities.
Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday focused on remembering and celebrating deceased loved ones by building an ofrenda that you construct to welcome their spirit. Decorate the table with pictures and any other elements you can find that will reflect the essence of the person you’re honoring. For example, if your abuelo loved Arizona Iced Tea & Sudoku, leave a place for those on the altar.
While most of the things you include will probably have some personal significance, below are a few standard items that are traditionally included in each altar.
1. Marigolds
No ofrenda is complete without marigolds. The use of the flower for the dead dates back to the Aztecs, who believed the flower's color and scent would attract the spirits. One place to get the freshest marigolds in town is the Los Angeles Flower Market.
2. Papel picado
These paper banners are traditionally cut with images of skulls, skeletons and flowers to mark the occasion, and their bright colors are also meant to help draw spirits in. To pick up some of your own, head to Olvera Street. And while you’re there, don’t forget to stock up on those sugar skulls.
3. Pan de Muerto
The PSL of the pan dulce world, this sweet bread is only available in late October/early November and is decorated with a design meant to mimic the look of bones. Go to El Pavo Bakery for some of the best pan de muerto around, and you’ll probably want to grab a few extra loaves for yourself.
Once you have everything gathered, you're all set! There's no wrong way to make an ofrenda, so be creative and arrange the items however you want to make a display that celebrates the life of your loved one.
Did we inspire you to build your own ofrenda this year? Tag us in your posts, and use #LAGram—we’d love to see them!