Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos

How to Build an Altar

When creating an Altar, it is important to remember and honor your loved ones with some of their favorite things and representations of them. In addition, it’s common that altars include skulls, flowers, sweets, and bread.

Please see below on how you can build your own Altar.

• Papel Picado is commonly used to add color to an altar and is believed to allow spirits to travel through on Dia de los Muertos.

• Candles and religious statues are often used to guide spirits to the altar.

• Pan de Muerto is not only a delicious seasonal treat, but also acts as an offering from the host to the spirits.

• Marigolds are used to brighten the altar space and are believed to attract spirits.

• Tortillas and tortilla warmers are often used in altars to nourish the spirits on their journey.

• As altars are meant to honor loved ones, photos and personal belongings help a spirit to connect with their past life.

What is Pan de Muerto?

“Pan de Muerto” translates from Spanish to “bread of the dead.” It’s a type of pan dulce (sweet bread) that is traditionally made in Mexico during the weeks leading up to the Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated from November 1 to November 2.

Although this bun is often decorated with bone-shaped phalanx pieces, it’s sweet and soft to eat. Each piece of this unique treat symbolizes the themes surrounding the celebration of Día de los Muertos.

• Overall, the bread is round in shape to symbolize the cycle of life and death.

• The raised area of pan de muerto represents the bones of the deceased.

• The upper part of the bun located in the center traditionally represents the skull of the dead.

• Pan de muerto usually has sugar on the outside the represents the sweet reminder of memories of the deceased.