Día de Los Muertos or “Day of the Dead” is a beloved holiday celebrated on November 1st through the 2nd by families throughout Mexico and families who share Mexican heritage. This cultural holiday is truly about commemorating, honoring, and remembering passed loved ones. Traditionally, families set up an ofrenda or “offering,” which includes their passed loved one’s photos, favorite foods, marigolds, specially baked breads, candles, and other decorations.

Día de Los Muertos is not a somber holiday but rather a celebratory one! Brightly colored floral decorations, intricately decorated calaveras or “sugar skulls” and skeleton-themed face painting are often part of the celebration.

Setting Up an Ofrenda

The ofrenda or “offering,” is what the celebration revolves around. It’s custom to set up a colorful multi-level table display, with the top portion reserved for photos of passed loved ones, their favorite things, calaveras or “sugar skulls”, marigolds, and candles. Photos of the passed and their favorite things are essential, as they indicate that the offerings are intended for them. On the lower part of the table is where food like pan de muerto or “bread of the dead,” traditional Mexican dishes like mole or tamales, and fruit are placed. However the dishes may change as families usually make their passed loved one’s favorite foods. Each family’s ofrenda is unique and no two are alike!

If your family celebrates, think of what sets your ofrenda apart from others? What were your loved one’s favorite things, foods and drinks? This holiday is really a time to cherish memories and meals you shared with them.

Foods to Celebrate With

Food is such an important aspect of this holiday. Families traditionally cook their passed loved one’s favorite dishes during this holiday, so the variety of food is different depending on their loved one’s taste. Here are some popular food and drinks made during the festivities.

Celebrate the memory of your loved ones with their favorite foods and fresh ingredients from Stater Bros. Markets. Find your local store and pick up everything you need for your family’s ofrenda.

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