photo by Edward Benavides

Dia De Los Muertos Celebration

The next Día de los Muertos Celebration will take place October 2017

Come visit Día de los Muertos altars in the Galería Guadalupe created by a variety of artists, families, and organizations.

Sponsored by GCAC partners AARP San Antonio and HEB.

Key Components of a Traditional Dia de los Muertos Altar

• Levels:  An altar can have two, three or seven levels. They represent the levels the soul must go through to get to final rest.
• Image of loved one
• Star shaped or regular lamp:  To help the soul finds its home.
• Colorful papel picado:  The union between life and death. The traditional day of the dead colors are orange, black, purple and yellow.
• Food:  To celebrate the arrival of the spirits we offer favorite dishes, which can include alcohol, cigarettes and sweets.
• Incense or copal:  To make the evil spirits go away
• Salt:  Purifies the soul and avoids corruption
• Cross made of lime (calcium oxide, not the fruit) on the floor:  Represents the four cardinal points to guide the soul.
• Ash cross:  Cleanses the soul from its wrong-doings.
• Flower path to the altar:  Guides the soul to the offering.
• Toys:  To entertain the soul of children
• Candles and veladoras:  Help the spirt ascend, a symbol of love that guides the soul to the altar. The candles can be purple or white which represent mourning and purity.
• Personal belongings:  May be photos or objects that the dearly departed used.
• Water glass:  For the thirsty soul to replenish before its journey back.
• Pan de muerto:  Represents the generosity of he/she whom receives the soul and the gift of earth itself.
• Flowers:  The smell of zempoaxóchitl guides spirits to this world.
• Sugar skulls:  Represent the loved ones who have passed away.
• Basin:  For the soul to wash his or her hands after the long journey.