San Miguel de Allende: Building an Ofrenda (Altar) for Dia de Los Muertos

Walking around San Miguel during this festive time of year makes it easy to reflect on your own family, friends, and even pets who have crossed the spirit threshold.

El Jardín, located in the heart of town, is surrounded by beautiful altars. Families unload truckloads of fragrant marigolds to decorate their ofrendas (altars). No altar is complete without that golden touch. Framed photographs of loved ones, combined with unique designs and personal touches, create a fantastical world and a true work of art.

It's easy to spot little characteristics that tell a story. From hobbies like motorbiking to favorite foods like hamburgers, tamales, and even pizza, each altar offers a glimpse into someone's life. Animals aren't forgotten either! Photos and sugar decorations of beloved pets are some of my favorite and most touching aspects of the altars. A family truly comes together with such a visual presentation.

Another favorite aspect is the music, laughter and togetherness of family and friends. This does not feel like a somber time. It's one of celebration.

November 1 is Día de los Angelitos, traditionally honoring children who have passed away, while November 2 is dedicated to remembering adults. Families are busy preparing their altars, and by tomorrow, San Miguel will be in full bloom! No pun intended. The festivities also include the famous Catrina Parade, a spectacular celebration you won't want to miss.

If you can handle a crowd, walking around El Jardín is truly magical. Prefer a little breathing room? Arrive early. Grab a cup of coffee at Panio or La Ventana and stroll around the square. The morning light is soft, before the sun climbs above the Parroquia and makes capturing that picture-perfect shot a little more challenging . Be sure to go down the side streets and check out all of the papel picado (decorative paper flags) streaming from one building to the next. The vibrant colors and playful designs are just the beginning of this lively event.

Walking around, you can't help but feel connected to the spirit of the celebration. And I have to wonder: They say the veil is thin this time of year. Maybe it's a good time to reach out, or at least try and see.

Last year, my mom and I built our first altar. It was fun picking out all the little sugar decorations in the shapes of food, animals, and the famed Catrina. We printed photographs of Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and our furry BFFs. It was a lovely way to remember what they were like.

This year, I strolled through the many stalls selling sugary trinkets and took my time choosing just the right ones. Yes, my dad liked hamburgers, but which one would he REALLY like? And which little cat looks most like my Momo? Frankly, none of them but I still loved seeking out the perfect furry bff. What's even more cute, these sugared pieces are all done by hand. Talk about labor of love! It's surprisingly fun to remember and honor family this way. I also found myself getting a little choked up. After all, when was the last time I shopped for my dad? Sheesh!

If you're visiting San Miguel, or simply want to bring a little of this tradition into your own home, why not create an altar to honor the people (and pets!) you've loved and lost?

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Building Your Own Día de Muertos Altar

A traditional altar, or ofrenda, is much more than a pretty display. Every object has meaning, and many are chosen specifically for the person being remembered. Traditions vary throughout Mexico and from family to family, but here are some of the most common elements.

Marigolds (Cempasúchil) – These bright orange and golden flowers are believed to guide loved ones home with their vibrant color and unmistakable fragrance. You'll see them everywhere in San Miguel!

Candles – Their flames light the way, helping guide the spirits back to the altar.

Water – A glass of water is offered to quench the thirst of loved ones after their journey.

Salt – Traditionally included as a symbol of purification.

Photographs – The heart of the altar! Photographs identify the loved ones being remembered and welcomed home.

Favorite Foods and Drinks – Did Grandma love fried chicken? Was Dad partial to a good hamburger? Place their favorite foods and drinks on the altar. It's a lovely way to remember the little things that made them who they were.

Pan de Muerto (Bread of the dead) – This traditional sweet bread is a staple of the celebration and represents affection and the sharing of food with those who have passed.

Sugar Skulls (Calaveritas) – Colorful sugar skulls are a familiar symbol of Día de Muertos. You can also find sugar figures shaped like animals, flowers, and all sorts of treats.

Papel Picado – These beautiful cut-paper decorations add color and movement to the altar and traditionally represent the wind.

Personal Treasures – This is where you can get creative! Include a favorite hat, a musical instrument, a toy, a book, or anything that reminds you of the person you're honoring. And don't forget your furry bff's!

A Little Reminder to Remember

You don't need a grand display or a truckload of marigolds to make an altar meaningful. A photograph, a favorite treat, and a little flower can be enough to bring back a wonderful memory. As you can see I don't have any photos up but boy did I feel the love in putting this little altar together.

What is most heartwarming about this tradition is that it makes remembering feel joyful. Instead of focusing only on the sadness of losing someone, we celebrate how they lived, the things they loved, and the little quirks that made them special.

So whether you're in San Miguel wandering through the colorful streets or at home creating a little altar of your own, take a moment to remember someone special.

After all, the people and pets we love never really leave our adventures. They just find a different way to tag along.

Happy Día de Muertos!