Creating a Día de los Muertos altar, or ofrenda, is one of the most beautiful and meaningful ways to honor loved ones who have passed away. These altars are at the heart of the Día de los Muertos celebration, offering a space where families can welcome the spirits of the departed back to the living world. The ofrenda is not just a decoration; it’s a deeply personal tribute filled with symbolism, memories, and love.
If you’re in Puerto Vallarta during this time or want to bring this cherished tradition into your own home, here’s a guide on how to build a traditional Día de los Muertos altar.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Space
The first step in building an ofrenda is finding the right place in your home. Traditionally, altars are built in a central, clean space such as a living room or near a family shrine. The spot should be a place of respect, where you can display photos and mementos of your deceased loved ones.
In Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find altars everywhere—from public squares like Parque Hidalgo to intimate spaces within homes and businesses. The key is to create a peaceful and welcoming environment for the spirits.
Step 2: Adding Levels to the Altar
A traditional Día de los Muertos altar typically has three levels, each representing a different stage of existence:
- The top level is dedicated to the heavens and is meant to honor deceased ancestors or loved ones. This level often includes photos of the deceased, religious symbols such as crosses, and representations of saints or deities.
- The middle level represents the earthly world and is where offerings like food, drinks, and personal items of the deceased are placed. This level connects the living to the departed.
- The bottom level symbolizes the underworld or the realm of the dead. Items like candles, skulls, and symbols of death are placed here to guide the spirits back to the world of the living.
While these three levels are traditional, you can adapt the altar based on your personal space and style. In many homes, you’ll see a more simplified version with one or two levels that still carry the same deep meaning.
Step 3: Key Elements of the Altar
Every Día de los Muertos altar has a set of symbolic items that invite the spirits to return and provide them with comfort and guidance. Here’s what you’ll need to create a traditional altar:
1. Photographs of the Deceased
At the center of the ofrenda are photos of the loved ones being honored. These pictures are placed on the top level, as they are meant to connect the living with those who have passed.
2. Marigold Flowers (Cempasúchil)
Cempasúchil, or marigold flowers, are an essential part of the altar. Their bright orange and yellow petals are believed to guide the spirits back with their vibrant colors and scent. In Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find these flowers sold in abundance at local markets during Día de los Muertos.
3. Pan de Muerto
Pan de muerto is a special sweet bread baked for Día de los Muertos. It’s placed on the altar as an offering to nourish the spirits after their long journey from the afterlife. It’s also a delicious treat for family members during the celebration!
4. Candles
Candles symbolize hope and light, guiding the spirits back to the world of the living. Many people place candles in the shape of a cross to represent the four cardinal directions, helping the souls find their way. Each candle on the altar can represent a specific loved one being remembered.
5. Water
A glass of water is left on the altar to quench the thirst of the spirits after their long journey. It also represents the purity of the soul.
6. Incense (Copal)
Copal incense is burned on the altar to purify the area and help guide the spirits back to their loved ones. The scent of the copal is said to attract the spirits to the altar.
7. Personal Items and Offerings
Add items that were dear to your loved ones in life—perhaps a favorite book, a musical instrument, or an item of clothing. Alongside these personal belongings, many families include the deceased’s favorite foods and beverages, from traditional tamales to a shot of tequila. These offerings help make the spirits feel welcomed and appreciated.
8. Sugar Skulls
Colorful sugar skulls are placed on the altar to symbolize the cycle of life and death. These intricately decorated skulls, or calaveras, remind us that death is not to be feared but embraced as a part of life’s natural rhythm.
Step 4: Personalizing the Altar
While traditional items are important, it’s equally essential to personalize the altar with items that reflect the spirit of the person being honored. This could be a memento from a shared trip, a favorite piece of art, or anything that carries special significance.
If you’re in Puerto Vallarta during Día de los Muertos, exploring local altars will give you plenty of inspiration. You’ll see ofrendas honoring famous figures and everyday people, each crafted with unique touches that reflect the personality and memory of the deceased.
Step 5: Inviting the Spirits and Celebrating
Once the altar is complete, the belief is that the spirits will return to visit their families on Día de los Muertos. During this time, families gather around the ofrenda, sharing stories, eating, and celebrating the lives of those who have passed.
In Puerto Vallarta, the celebration often includes public events, processions, and lively festivals. Whether you’re participating in a local tour or building your own ofrenda at home, you’ll find that Día de los Muertos is as much about celebrating life as it is about remembering the dead.
Bringing Tradition to Life
Building a Día de los Muertos altar is a beautiful way to connect with Mexican culture and honor your ancestors. Whether you’re in Puerto Vallarta or creating an altar in your own home, the care and thought you put into the ofrenda will bring the tradition to life in a meaningful and personal way.
Remember, the ofrenda is a celebration of love, life, and memory—a way to bring the past and present together in harmony.
