La Ofrenda - How to Create a Shrine for Your Dearly Departed, Day of the Dead Style
Image courtesy of Antuan2007 on Flickr.
What is an Ofrenda?
An ofrenda is a type of shrine or altar created in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Traditionally it is for the Day of the Dead celebrations held on November 1st and 2nd. The can be small home altars dedicated to family members who have passed on or large community shrines where many people are honored. They can even be for non-family members or celebrities you admire.
The Key Elements of an Ofrenda
Look farther on this page for where to get them
- Photos of the honoree(s).
- Statues and icons of saints and deities.
- Lots of candles, both 7 day saints candles and plain votives.
- Lots of flowers, fresh if you can get them, silk if you can't. And flower petals, too. Marigolds are the traditional flower to use.
- Pan de muerto, or Bread of the Dead.
- Skull shaped candy made from sugar and chocolate is best, but any candy is good. Candy is supposed to be mainly for children who have passed on, but I know my grandparents loved it in life, so I'm sure they love it in death.
- Skeleton dolls, or calaveras.
- Cigarettes and/or liquor if the honoree(s) enjoyed them in life.
- Papel picado, or cut paper.
- Favorite foods of the honorees.
Examples of Ofrendas
- El Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead Ofrendas
- A nice outline of the components of an ofrenda.
- La Ofrenda
- Another outline (with photos) of the basic elements of an Ofrenda.
- Contemporary Day of the Dead Altar to Barry White
- Click the numbers to view the different items that make up this modern Dia de los Muertos ofrenda.
- Traditional Day of the Dead Altar for Family
- Click the numbers to view the different items that make up this traditional Dia de los Muertos ofrenda.
- The Ofrenda
- Description of an ofrenda and it's elements.
Fresh Flowers for Your Ofrenda
Splash of Sunshine Fresh Flower Bouquet
Amazon Price: $36.99 (as of 12/21/2009) 
Vista Point AMSTERDAM Holland
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 12/21/2009)
California Mini-Carnations Flower Bouquet - Free Fast Shipping - Double Bouquet - 50 Stems
Amazon Price: $79.00 (as of 12/21/2009)
Think BIG! Bouquet - Free Fast Shipping - 50 Stems - 9 Kinds of Fresh Cut Flowers
Amazon Price: $79.00 (as of 12/21/2009)
Mix and Match - Endless Summer Bouquet - Mixed Fresh Cut Flowers - 25 Stems
Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 12/21/2009)
Seven Day Saints Candles
The saints candles go on the upper tier of the ofrenda. Use as many as you like.
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Recipe for Pan de Muerto
or Bread of the Dead
Papel Picado (Cut Paper)
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byDay of the Dead Candles
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byCopal Incense
Copal Incense Sticks (20 pack)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)
Copal - 100 Wildberry Incense Sticks
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 12/21/2009)
White Copal - 5 Ounce Jar - Tom's Natural Incense
This is resin chunks so you'll need the charcoal below to burn it.
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 12/21/2009)
White Copal - 3/4 Ounce Resin Incense
Amazon Price: $2.79 (as of 12/21/2009)
Shisha-Lite Charcoal - Roll of 10 Tablets
You'll need this charcoal in order to burn the resin.
Amazon Price: $1.95 (as of 12/21/2009)
Sugar Skulls Recipe
Make your own grim sugar candies
Skull Molds for Sugar, Chocolate, Soap, etc.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byDay of the Dead Dolls
These skeleton dolls are for the children, supposedly, but I happen to know that those in the spirit world have a pretty good sense of humor (they have no bills to pay, they can laugh). I think the dolls are for them too.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byCalavera Dolls from estudiomartita on Etsy
Not just dolls but works of art!
You need to select some items to show.
Silk Rose Petals
Fresh marigold petals are used to make a path to the ofrenda as well as decorate other parts of it, but I wouldn't be surprised if silk flower petals are now being used too.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byDay of the Dead Fabric
Make an altar cloth, cushions, curtains for a table, etc.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byFind More Day of the Dead Art Here
Either for your ofrenda, or just because you like it!
Wonderful Books About Building Shrines and Altars
Making Shadow Boxes and Shrines
Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)
Living Shrines: Home Altars of New Mexico
Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 12/21/2009)
Altars and Icons: Sacred Spaces in Everyday Life
Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)
Crafting Personal Shrines: Using Photos, Mementos & Treasures to Create Artful Displays
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/21/2009)
Day of the Dead Crafts: More than 24 Projects that Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 12/21/2009)
The Latest From the Blogosphere
Image courtesy of StOrmz on Flickr.
Pictures for Inspiration
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My creation
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Are you inspired?
This lens is a labor of research love. I wanted to learn more about Ofrendas because I think they are fascinating. If you have anything to add from personal experience, please do! Any other comments are welcome, too.
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Reply
- MeelaJoubert MeelaJoubert Oct 2, 2008 @ 2:53 am
- I did this for our public Dia de los Muertos celebration here several years ago. Based mine on African traditions, though.
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