
"Think about what they would like to eat or what you all used to eat together," Garza says. He also used butterflies to symbolize the migration of the spirits. Some typical foods found on ofrendas are tamales, empanadas, fruits, pan de muerto, and spirits (the alcoholic kind).įor his mother, Garza featured her favorite candy, De la Rosa mazapan, and fideo, as well as elements from earth like rosemary, basil, and mint. Lincoln Heights H-E-B adds True Texas BBQ in new renovationsīecause no celebration is complete without food, altars should have snacks, drinks, or other treats the person loved.Lamborghini building a 2-story, $10M dealership in San Antonio.Peppa Pig Theme Park sets plans for new Texas location.Eddie's Taco House has a cheese enchilada and steak plate for $6.99.New H-E-B begins construction in the Texas Hill Country.Copal incense was burned in Mesoamerica in ancient times and is still burned for special ceremonies, often placed on or near Day of the Dead altars as another element to draw in the spirits.ĭía de Los Muertos altars honor and celebrate the dead children and adults during the holiday from November 1 to November 2. Incense is also a major part of the altar, Garza says. During the holiday, Garza suggests spreading the pedals from the front door to the altar as a way to guide the spirit to it. Marigolds, and all flowers in general, also represent the fragility of life. Bright marigolds are often used on altars because it's said to have an aroma that lures the spirits. The skulls represent the people who have passed and who are receiving offerings at the altar.įlowers. Traditionally, the altars use a mix of Catholic saints and Christ figures with colorful Día de los Muertos skull heads. Whether electric votives to wax tapers, there's not a certain type of candle you need to use as long as it represents light. He used pictures of his mother at school and with family.Ĭandles are a must. You don't need a lot of images, but the more you can put that show off their essence and personality will work, Garza says. Make sure to incorporate a framed picture of the loved one you're celebrating. Priscilla Aguirre, Basics to include in your altarįind a beautiful photo. Garza is one of the artists who will have an altar on display at the 44th annual "Altares y Ofrendas" Día de Los Muertos exhibit opening from 6 to 9 p.m. It doesn't need to be grand, especially if you're starting one for the first time.

There's no rule book on what you need to have because the important part is to honor your late loved one.

A lot of people can fall into a depression when they lose someone very close to them, and I feel like this is a way for one's grief to transform into something beautiful."Īll altars are different, Garza says. "You also share stories with others, and I think that's super important," Garza says. While he still misses his mom, Garza focuses on the good memories he incorporates into his altar. When Garza lost his mother, Hortencia, he says creating an altar helped him heal and deal with the heartbreak of losing someone so close. Altars make the departed feel welcome and show them they have not been forgotten.


The belief is that the veil between the living and the dead thins during this celebration, and the souls of those have gone before us come back to this world. Priscilla Aguirre, What is an altar?ĭía de los Muertos altars honor and celebrate those have died. (The ofrenda he created for his mom will be among those on display at this year's 44th annual Altares y Ofrendas Día de Los Muertos exhibit on November 2-5.)įor his altar, he included candles, food his mother loved, Día de Los Muertos skulls and more. Four years ago, however, the tradition became more personal when Garza's mother died from colon cancer. The 40-year-old has spent the past 20 years creating altars, mostly for other people.
