Día de los Muertos Community Ofrenda (Altar)

Building the altar is a family tradition where members gather to share stories and celebrate heritage. Adding photos of your friends, family, and pets allows our entire community to unite in remembering those who meant so much to us. Physical photos and decorations can be picked up at the front desk after November 12 when the altar is taken down.

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a holiday that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Rather than the heaviness often associated with death, it’s full of color, music, and joy! An altar is created to welcome back the spirits of deceased loved ones. It includes items representing the five elements (water, earth, wind, fire) with drinks, candles, papel picado, and food offerings, among many other traditional items. 

For generations, monarch butterflies have arrived in Mexico around Día de los Muertos, traveling thousands of miles from North America to gather in the forests. Many believe these butterflies carry the spirits of loved ones returning home to reunite with their families. This beautiful tradition connects to the Indigenous Purépecha people, who honored their ancestors around the same time the butterflies arrived. To them, butterflies symbolized transformation, rebirth, and the enduring connection between life and death.

When Spanish settlers arrived in Mexico, Indigenous traditions blended with new customs, helping shape the Día de los Muertos we celebrate today. For many, the arrival of monarch butterflies is a beautiful reminder that loved ones’ spirits have returned to celebrate with their families.

Explore & Celebrate:

• 📚 Check out our Family Reading List featuring books for kids, teens, and adults.
• 🎨 Attend our Día de los Muertos Crafts for All Ages event on Saturday, November 7, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Get creative with festive activities inspired by the vibrant colors, meaningful symbols, and rich traditions of this cultural celebration.