Your Day of the Dead Altar

Step 1: Decide on the Size & Levels

Altars are often described by their tiers:

• Two-tier altar: The simplest. A table for heaven and the ground for earth. Perfect if you live in a small space.
• Three-tier altar: Adds a symbolic underworld. Use a second table, crates, or boxes to create levels. Always includes an arch of marigolds or greenery as the “doorway” for spirits.
• Seven-tier altar: The most elaborate, often seen in plazas. Each tier has meaning—from saints at the top to photos, food and, finally, a cross at the bottom.

Tip: Don’t stress about perfection. Even a single table can become a beautiful altar if prepared with love.

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Step 2: Lay the Foundation

1. Choose a spot: Somewhere stable, safe from pets and wind.
2. Cover with a cloth: Traditionally white for purity. You can layer in local fabrics, like a sarape, woven runner, or even a beach textile to honor coastal roots.
3. Add tiers (optional): Use crates, stacked boxes, or smaller tables draped with cloth.

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Step 3: Add the Essential Elements

Think of the altar in categories—for guidance, nourishment, identity, faith and atmosphere.

Guidance

• Arch: Build with flowers, reeds, or even palm leaves. This is the doorway.
• Candles: Place several candles. White for light, purple for mourning. Each flame = one soul.
• Incense (Copal): Light copal to “call” spirits home. If unavailable, sage or other incense can stand in.
• Flowers: Use marigolds (cempasúchil) for their golden path. Add terciopelo (velvet flower) for comfort. Sprinkle petals leading to the altar.
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Nourishment

• Pan de muerto: Place a loaf at the center.
• Food & drinks: Add your loved one’s favorites—from mole and tamales to mezcal, tequila or Coca-Cola.
• Water: Always include a glass or jar. It’s said to be the first thing the spirits reach for.

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Identity

• Photos: Place photos prominently so the spirits know where to go.
• Personal objects: A necklace, book, surfboard keychain, guitar pick—whatever reflects their essence.
• Sugar skulls: Write their names on them for recognition.

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Faith

• Crosses & saints: A cross of candles, seeds, or flowers. Add La Virgen de Guadalupe or other icons meaningful to your family.
• Salt: For purification, placed in a small dish.
• Xoloitzcuintli figure: If you find one, add it—the legendary dog that guides the spirits.

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Atmosphere

• Papel picado: Hang cut paper banners around the altar. The cut designs flutter in the wind, symbolizing the fragile veil between worlds.
• Tablecloths & textiles: Layer different fabrics, especially those tied to family or region.

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Step 4: Personalize

This is where the altar becomes yours.

• If you’re honoring a fisherman, include a net or shells.
• For a child, place toys or candies.
• For a musician, add an instrument or lyrics.
• Here in Troncones, you might even see surf wax, mangoes or fresh-caught fish beside the traditional bread and marigolds.

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Step 5: Activate the Altar

On the nights of October 31 – November 2

1. Light the candles.
2. Burn incense or copal.
3. Say a prayer, sing a song, share a memory, or simply speak to your loved one.
4. Sit for a moment in silence — or play their favorite music.

Tip: Some families eat the food afterward; others throw it away, believing the spirits have absorbed its essence. Do what feels right.

Why It Matters

Día de los Muertos is not about death, but about continuity—the belief that those we’ve lost are never truly gone. By preparing an altar, we offer them a seat at the table once more.

Here in Guerrero, you’ll see everything from schoolchildren making paper altars in Zihua to families in Troncones building small home ofrendas with coconuts, tamales and marigold petals. Each one is different, yet all carry the same message: you are remembered, you are welcome, you are loved.

Keep in mind your altar doesn’t have to be grand. It only has to be heartfelt. Start with a photo, a candle and a flower. Add more as you learn. Over time, your ofrenda will grow—just like the memories you hold.