About the Celebration

In Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, El Salvador, Ecuador, Honduras, and Bolivia, people commemorate this day with activities such as visiting family cemeteries and building ofrendas (altars) to honor loved ones. Traditionally, November 1 remembers children who have died, and November 2 honors other family and friends.

In Mexico it is believed that the souls of loved ones return on those days to eat, drink, and dance with us again.

The Elements of the Día de Muertos Altar

A traditional ofrenda has three levels representing, from bottom to top, the underworld, this world, and the spirit world. Around the ofrenda you’ll often see papel picado—delicately cut tissue-paper flags symbolizing the joy of celebrating our ancestors.

Note: True papel picado is an art passed down through generations. If purchasing, consider authentic paper versions; plastic imitations can harm tradition and the environment.

The Underworld

In pre-Hispanic Mexico, dirt floors created a direct connection to the earth. A cross of rock salt was drawn to mark the cardinal points and guide souls home. Today, marigolds are often set on the floor to create a path.

This World

Here families place festive foods or the ancestors’ favorite dishes on a colorful tablecloth—sometimes as miniatures—along with fruits, drinks, candies, and sugar or chocolate skulls.

• Pan de muerto — Sweet bread flavored with orange zest and aniseed.
• Water — For ancestors thirsty from their long journey.
• Salt — Traditionally thought to purify and protect returning souls.
• Candles — Light the path home.
• Copal or incense — Purifies the space.
• Zempasúchitl (marigolds) & flor de nube (baby’s breath) — Guide the spirits; baby’s breath is often for children.
• Toys — Included when a family has lost a child.

The “Spirit World”

This top level holds ancestors’ photos and meaningful objects—family heirlooms, music, favorite games—as well as classic icons like Catrinas, calacas, and calaveras. Start simple with items you have, and let your ofrenda grow over time.

Book Recommendations / Recomendaciones de Libros

These titles help children understand and celebrate Día de Muertos.

La Catrina y La Llorona — Patty Rodriguez
Ages: Baby–4 • Grades: Baby–PreK • Board book • Language: Bilingual Spanish

¡Es la Hora de los Esqueletos! / It’s Skeleton Time! — Ana Galá
Ages: 4–8 • Grades: PreK–3 • Paperback (there’s a song, too) • Language: Bilingual Spanish

Día de los Muertos — Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Ages: 4–8 • Grades: PreK–3 • Paperback • Language: English

I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito — Janice Levy
Ages: 4–8 • Grades: PreK–3 • Paperback • Language: Bilingual Spanish

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