How to Create a Day of the Dead Altar (Ofrenda)
Creating a Day of the Dead altar, or ofrenda, is a meaningful way to remember and celebrate family members and loved ones who have passed away. During Día de los Muertos, traditionally observed on November 1 and 2, families may create ofrendas filled with photographs, flowers, favorite foods, personal belongings, and other items that bring back memories of the people being honored.
There is no single way every Day of the Dead altar must look. Traditions vary among families and communities, and an ofrenda can be simple or elaborate. What matters most is creating a personal space that honors and remembers your loved one.
Here are some traditional and meaningful elements to consider when creating your own Day of the Dead altar.
1. Start with a Photograph
A photograph of the person you are remembering can serve as the focal point of your ofrenda.
Choose a favorite picture and place it somewhere prominent on the altar. If you are honoring several family members or friends, include photographs of each person.
The altar should feel personal, so don't worry about making everything perfectly symmetrical or matching. The purpose is remembrance.
2. Add Personal Mementos
Include objects that remind you of the person being honored.
These might be a favorite keepsake, piece of jewelry, small personal belonging, hobby-related item, letter, or something that represents an important part of that person's life.
This is one of the easiest ways to make an ofrenda uniquely meaningful rather than simply decorative.
3. Decorate with Marigolds
Bright orange and yellow marigolds, known in Mexico as cempasúchil, are closely associated with Día de los Muertos.
Fresh marigolds are beautiful when available, but decorative or paper marigolds can also add the characteristic bursts of orange and yellow seen on many Day of the Dead displays.
Some families also arrange marigold petals around the altar or create a pathway leading toward it.
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4. Hang Papel Picado
Colorful papel picado is another traditional element frequently seen above and around Day of the Dead altars.
The intricately cut paper adds movement and color to the display and provides an easy way to frame an ofrenda or define the space around it.
Try hanging papel picado behind the altar, above it, or across the front of a table.
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5. Include Favorite Foods and Drinks
Food is an important part of many Day of the Dead ofrendas.
Families often include foods or beverages enjoyed by the person being remembered. Pan de muerto, fruit, sweets, and other traditional foods may be used, but a loved one's personal favorites can make the altar even more meaningful.
A glass of water is also commonly included on an ofrenda.
If you're creating a decorative display where real food isn't practical, miniature food decorations can provide another way to represent this tradition.
6. Add Candles or Lights
Candles are commonly placed on Day of the Dead altars and bring warmth and light to the display.
If real candles aren't appropriate for your location—particularly in a school, business, event venue, or anywhere an open flame would be unsafe—consider flameless LED candles instead.
Arrange them around photographs, flowers, or other important elements without overwhelming the personal items on the altar.
7. Add Sugar Skulls and Other Day of the Dead Decorations
Colorful sugar skulls, skeleton figures, Catrinas, butterflies, and other Día de los Muertos decorations can add color and symbolism to an altar.
The key is not to let decorations become more important than the person you're remembering. Use decorative pieces to complement the photographs, favorite foods, flowers, and personal belongings that give the ofrenda its meaning.
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8. Make the Ofrenda Personal
You don't need to follow a rigid formula or create an elaborate multi-level altar.
A small table with a photograph, flowers, a candle, and a few meaningful objects can be just as personal as a large display.
Think about the person you're honoring. What did they enjoy? What colors did they love? What food did they always order? What hobby, song, sports team, recipe, or possession immediately makes you think of them?
Those personal touches are what make an ofrenda special.
A Celebration of Memory
Día de los Muertos is a time for remembrance, but it is also a celebration of the lives of people we love. Creating an ofrenda gives families and friends a place to share photographs, stories, memories, and traditions from one generation to the next.
Whether your altar is simple or elaborate, create it in a way that feels meaningful to you and the person you are honoring.
Looking for supplies for your ofrenda? Explore Amols' selection of Day of the Dead decorations and supplies, including papel picado, marigolds, Catrinas, sugar skull decorations, altar accents, miniature foods, and more.