photo by Edward Benavides

Dia De Los Muertos Annual Celebration

Free and open to the public!

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

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.