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How to create an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos

Learn about the different elements of altar creation and how to create your own at home.

October 28, 2024 • 
Adriana Christian, Laura Figi
A young child wearing a colorful knit hat and dark jacket stands in front of a Día de los Muertos altar adorned with marigolds, candles, and framed photos. The altar is decorated with vibrant fabrics and marigold arrangements, creating a festive and respectful atmosphere as people move in the background.

The steps of the Moody Amphitheater will be turned into an enormous altar on Saturday.

Photo by Ryan Vestil

Día de los Muertos is right around the corner, and Austinites are beginning to assemble their ofrendas. Originating in Mexico, this event will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 this year.

In this celebration of life, participants are reunited with the souls of dead relatives + loved ones. The honored dead are often given offerings at gravesites or ofrendas (altars) at home, and are celebrated with festivals.

What is an ofrenda?

An ofrenda, which is a tribute to deceased loved ones, is a central part of Día de los Muertos. The word ofrenda is Spanish for “offering.” These altars are created with several levels with various meanings:

  • Two levels: This represents earth and heaven
  • Three levels: The most common altar, with the floor representing the underworld, the middle representing the living world, and the top representing the spirit world
  • Seven levels: The most traditional arrangement, representing the steps to rest in peace

Altar elements

Here are a few items typically found on ofrendas:

Marigolds: The official flower of Día de los Muertos, these vibrant flowers attract and guide the dead to the altar.
Candles: Each deceased loved one is represented by a lit candle.
Food: Dishes like tamales, mole, and pan de muerto are placed on the lower portion of the altar.

How to create your own

Want to create your own altar at home? Here are a few local spots to pick up supplies:

ATX_DiadelosMuertosWaterlooGreenway

Don’t miss dancers and a community ofrenda at Waterloo Greenway’s celebration.

Photo by Homer Gonzalez for Waterloo Greenway

See local altars

There will be plenty of ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Austin this year — here are a few events you can visit.

Día de los Muertos | Friday, Nov. 1 | 6-10 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater | Free | Take part in the celebration with a community altar, live performances from Ballet Folklorico MariCruz, local vendors, and themed drinks.

Muertos Mercado | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Republic Square Park | Free | Peruse more than 30 local vendors, eat pan de muerto, tamales, and dulces, and watch Aztec dancers from Danza Xochilli perform.

Día de los Muertos Festival | Saturday, Nov. 2 | 12-9 p.m | Centennial Plaza, Round Rock | This event, in support of the Round Rock Ballet Folklórico, features a full lineup of performances, magic shows, a parade, and altar contests.

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