Celebrating Día de los Muertos!

Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Hazel Salazar-Davidson is leading our Synod in celebrating Día de los Muertos this November! To get things started, we'd like to share a bit of information on the different elements that you might find on an Ofrenda and their significance. We hope you take time to read and participate in this time of celebration and remembrance.

Ofrenda - Altars

Day of the Dead altars are built during Día de los Muertos to honor the lives of those who have passed. They are quite beautiful creations, constructed with love and care to honor those who have passed away. Creating these altars is one of the most important traditions during Day of the Dead in Mexico and in Mexican-American communities around the globe. On top of the altar, offerings are laid out for the dead — known as Ofrenda in Spanish. These are items that the spirits will enjoy when they come back to earth to visit their living families and friends. Typically, you will find candles, marigolds, incense, salt, photos of the deceased, pan de muerto, sugar skulls, fresh fruit and other foods.

This Ofrenda is from a congregation in Pasadena, CA Rev. Hazel had the pleasure of visiting with a few years back.

Sugar Skulls

Years ago, folk living in Mexico explored unique ways to use the abundance of sugar the country produced. Local Friars taught them to use the excess sugar to create art to be use in their churches and at different religious celebrations! The tradition of sugar skulls has roots that date back to the 18th century and are often placed on the Ofrenda to honor the return of our loved ones spirits. The skulls are decorated with colorful icing, sparkles and sometimes have the names of passed loved ones written on the foreheads. Rev. Hazel often makes her sugar skulls the week before Día de los Muertos and is looking forward to sharing her best found recipe so you can make them in your home!