Show Us Your Home Decked Out for Day of the Dead
We’d like to see the altars and other decorations that honor your dearly departed on Día de los Muertos
Do you celebrate the Day of the Dead with shimmering altars honoring beloved family members and pets who have passed away? In Mexico and many areas in the U.S. and elsewhere, families and friends mark the occasion by decorating their homes with colorful flowers and ornate calaveras, or representations of human skulls. The latter often come in the form of sugary treats and sweet breads. Each display is as unique as its home and family. See some decorations below — and be sure to add yours in the Comments!
Photo by Ray Bouknight
Marigolds are known as the flowers of the dead, used to attract the spirits of departed ones to the ofrenda. Celebrants may also leave marigolds on the graves of their loved ones and leave a trail of flower petals from the cemetery back to the home. It is believed that the flowers’ scent and bright color attract the spirits of the deceased.
Marigolds are known as the flowers of the dead, used to attract the spirits of departed ones to the ofrenda. Celebrants may also leave marigolds on the graves of their loved ones and leave a trail of flower petals from the cemetery back to the home. It is believed that the flowers’ scent and bright color attract the spirits of the deceased.
The deceased’s favorite food and beverages are often among the offerings. Houzz user agardnerdesign adorned this altar with sweet breads, skulls and bright flowers.
A nearby decorated skull further honors the holiday spirit.
Here’s another colorful display in the same home.
Reader chrlsmith2 combined colors and patterns to create this festive display.
Einshac used empty Mexican food cans as flower vases for the celebration.
In the same home, simple decorations in a thoughtful display form a quiet celebration for the occasion.
Reader kayleesmimi mixed a little Day of the Dead spirit and a little Halloween spirit for a recent house party.
Kristine’s youngest daughter painted this pumpkin in a Día de los Muertos expression.
Melinda painted these boxes to hold a mix of Day of the Dead gifts and pieces from a vacation to Taos, New Mexico.
Photo from Thacher Gallery at the University of San Francisco
In addition to calaveras, paper marigolds are often featured in Day of the Dead celebrations, as shown by this altar at the University of San Francisco.
Your turn: Do you have a Day of the Dead altar in your home to honor loved ones who have passed on? Are marigolds part of your Day of the Dead activities? If so, please share your sharpest, most beautiful photos with us in the Comments below!
More
My Houzz: A Home Comes Alive With Day of the Dead Decor
Read more about the Day of the Dead from the Smithsonian Latino Center
In addition to calaveras, paper marigolds are often featured in Day of the Dead celebrations, as shown by this altar at the University of San Francisco.
Your turn: Do you have a Day of the Dead altar in your home to honor loved ones who have passed on? Are marigolds part of your Day of the Dead activities? If so, please share your sharpest, most beautiful photos with us in the Comments below!
More
My Houzz: A Home Comes Alive With Day of the Dead Decor
Read more about the Day of the Dead from the Smithsonian Latino Center
Houzz reader Marie Vlasic shared this altar with us last year. “Our Día de los Muertos altar, honoring our dearly departed loved ones and pets, adorns this nook in our kitchen every year,” she wrote. “We love welcoming their spirits to join us and remembering them.”