Dia De Los Muertos

​This year, I decided to create an Ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar) for my dearly departed Grandmother. Growing up Californian, I was lucky enough to enjoy the Day of the Dead celebrations around me; from parades to lively cemetery scenes, to the scent of marigolds in the air, that while I am not of Mexican origin, Dia de los Muertos grew in my heart. After moving to the north east I grew to miss this lovely remembrance day terribly.

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Above is my Grandmother's Ofrenda. It has some classic elements like food and drink, as well as it being built as a three tier system. But from there I took liberties. I found things I remember my Grandmother liking, fortunately for me, Grandma liked a lot of things that you can find at your local drugstore! I am not easily able to get to a Mexican area to get things once easy like Calaveras (sugar skulls) or pan de meurto ( bread of the dead). But, I took the spirit of what I remembered and created something that works. 

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​Who needs Young Adult novels? Pfft, I say! At the tender ages of 12 I cut my literary teeth on the raunchiest romance novels one could buy at Thrifties. 

I found this novel, "Always a Cowboy" at the sto' and I know for sure Grandma would like it. I hope you don't mind that I thumbed ahead to the good bits, Grandma!

Grandma also liked Coca Cola, I remember the Coke vs Pepsi wars of the 80's like it was the yesterday. We are a Coke family, loud and proud all due to this sassy little lady.

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​Grandma also liked word seeks so I got her a delux version. And I got her a card, cause, well, I had some things I needed to say to her. While not traditionally on the Ofrenda, I am sure your loved one will treasure it equally.

In keeping with Dia de los Muertos tradition, there are plenty of skeletons on the altar. A reminder that life is short and completely precious so enjoy this transitory state while you may!

Sadly, I could not find marigolds in my area. The Aztecs used marigolds because its scent is meant to draw your dearly departed back to you for a visit. Mums just don't do the trick. If they had a favorite flower that smells nice, just use that one.

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I included a couple of pictures of Grandma and I along with food and drink. You can make this as elaborate or as simple as necessary but our ghostly guests need a snack since they have traveled so far to see us.

Grandma liked these orange slices and I poured her some coke. The drugstore (at least here on the east coast) don't seem to carry what I remember to be her favorites, or maybe no one carries them anymore. This woman loved some ribs, Grandma you know I am a vegetarian (in fact I became one at 13 at your house!) I hope you can forgive the meat omission here.

I also included tarot touches since that is who I am an my Ofrenda is as much a place for her to visit as much as it is a place to celebrate us in relation to the other. 

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I cannot express how connected I feel to my Grandmother while pulling together my ofrenda. She feels so close to me. It felt like a meeting long overdue. For November 1st, create your own altar, it does not have to be fancy, just meaningful.

​Call them home tonight.