Mrs. Nooti and Ms. Ojeda's class created a "Day of the Dead Altar" or ¡Día de los Muertos! at Maercker school.

Day of the dead Altars Day of the Dead altars known as altares de muertos or ofrendas are set during the Day of the Dead celebrations on November 1 and 2 to honor the dead children and adults.

Day of the Dead celebrations are based on the belief that the souls of the ones gone can come back to this world on these days. The Day of the Dead altars are the most prominent feature in the celebration because they show the souls the way to their home. Altars make the souls (animas) feel welcomed and show them they have not been forgotten.

Day of the Dead Altar Elements

Day of the Dead altars are set with different elements depending on the region; these differences are established by the availability, seasonal flowers and fruits and the traditional food from the area. Other elements are shared everywhere in the country. Most altars would include some or all of these elements:


Picture -  A picture of the evoked relative is placed in the altar to make him present and revive his image.


Flowers - The altar is decorated with fresh flowers as it is believed that their scent will make the returning souls feel welcomed and happy The cempasuchil or flor de muertos (flower of the dead) is one of the most used flowers during the celebration ; in some places its petals are set to make a path from the house door to the altar thus showing the way to the returning souls.

Different Levels - In some areas altars are made with two levels that symbolize heaven and earth.

An Arch - Symbolizes the entrance to the world of the dead. Chiseled Paper - The papel picado or chiseled paper are paper flags chiseled. To some people they represent the element air for the way they move.

Day of the Dead Bread - Day of the dead bread or pan de muertos is different in every region of the country and one of the most important elements in the altar as it is a fraternal offering to the souls in the catholic sense.

Candy Skulls - Sugar, chocolate or amaranth seed skulls represent the death and its every moment presence.

Candies - Alfeñique (almonds paste) fruits, donkeys, angels and skeletons and all kind of homemade candies are set to treat the children's souls.

Food - Every region in Mexico has a special dish that is considered the most festive and tasty and it's usually the main food offered in the altar.

Candles - Candles show the souls their way to the altar and back to the dead world; they symbolize the light, hope and faith.

Water- A glass of water is set in the altar to calm the souls' thirst after their long journey.

Salt - A small plate with salt is set in the altar as a purifier element.

Personal Objects - In some areas the honored tools, clothing or toys are added to the offering to make him feel at home.

Ornaments - Candle holders, incense burners, papier mache or clay figurines such as skulls or skeletons doing a certain activity or animals. In the some areas a clay xoloitzcuintli dog is set in the altar to make the children souls feel good in their arrival to the fete.