Credit to Miranda Fabian

Day of the Dead is a day to remember loved ones who have come before and remember all the good times, passing on memories to new generations. Here are the essential items to making an altar or ofrenda.

Marigolds: Marigolds are known to be used to lead the dead from their grave to the ofrenda. In addition to leading the dead souls back home, they’re also a sign of respect and love, the way people would bring flowers to a funeral.

Pictures: Pictures of loved ones are placed throughout the ofrenda. Photos are often placed to physically represent the family tree, with layers along the table to share a story.

“We usually put my grandparents and some more of my family members who have passed,”  senior Michelle Gonzalez-Delgado said. “We just make sure to have enough for everyone.”

Favorite Foods: Traditional foods that are favored by the dead are placed beside the photos to bring comfort and remembrance to those being celebrated.

“My favorite part is taking time to remember him and who he was, but also it’s fun decorating and getting what his favorite food was for him,”  junior Valeria Lima-Guerrero said, who has celebrated for five years since her grandfather passed away.