An important part of any Day of the Dead celebration is the creation of a space for Mictlān, representing the underworld, or place of the dead, where we can set up and display our altars/ofrendas.

Typically (though this can vary household by household), Day of the Dead Altars, known as Altares de Muertos or Ofrendas, are put up during Día de los Muertos celebrations on November 1 and 2 to honour, respectively, children and adults who have passed away.

Based on the idea that the souls (animas) of the departed can return to the world of the living during these days, the altars function as prominent signposts to show the souls their way home. The ofrendas, lovingly created and often personalized for those who have passed on, make the souls feel welcome, showing them that they have not been forgotten.

Acknowledging that culture is a living, always transforming thing, we encourage members of the community to adapt this tradition to their own culture and circumstances. Most important in the celebrations and the ofrendas is to capture the spirit of respect, love, and honour we extend to those who have gone before us and who shape us still.

In Mexico, the particulars of altars vary by region. Most ofrendas follow a general yellow/orange colour scheme and include some of all of the following elements:

• - pictures of the departed
• - cempasúchil (marigold) flowers
• - papel picado (cut decorative tissue paper)
• - pan de muertos (Day of the Dead bread)
• - sugar skulls
• - personal objects of the departed
• - candles
• - candy + food
• - spirited drinks
• - salt
• - water
• - ornaments
• - copal