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EveryParampara

Ofrenda

The altar of marigolds, candles and favourite foods built for the Day of the Dead.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Ofrenda.

Also: altar de muertos

An ofrenda is the altar built at home or in a cemetery for the Day of the Dead in Mexico, to welcome the souls of the departed on 1 and 2 November. It has tiers covered with a cloth, and holds photographs, candles, marigold flowers, pan de muerto, sugar skulls, fruit, salt, water and the favourite foods and drinks of the person remembered, along with incense. A path of petals leads from the street to the altar. Children's souls are welcomed first with toys and sweets. Families clean the graves and spend the night there with music. UNESCO lists the festival as intangible heritage.

Region: North America

See also

CalaveraPosadaPiñata

Find traditions that mention Ofrenda

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