Día de Muertos — also known as Day of the Dead — is an annual tradition typically celebrated on November 1 and November 2. Each year, the multi-day tradition seems to get more popular — specifically after Disney’s Coco in 2017. Curious how to celebrate and honor your late loved ones this year? We got you covered.

Though the annual celebration is observed on November 1 and November 2: November 1 for late children and November 2 for late adults — there’s more to the festivity. On more detailed occasions, people also celebrate their late pets on October 27. The tradition is actually from October 27 to November 6, when people put up detailed altars dedicated to their loved ones who have passed away. But how do you start putting the altar together?

If you’re interested in making your own this year. Here’s how.

Decoration & Altar

First things first: it’s your altar and your memories. You make it your own way to remember your loved ones. 

With that being said, the altar’s basic elements are based on water, wind, fire, and earth. The water is represented by a glass of water, wind is represented by colorful papel picado, fire is represented by candles, and earth is represented by your loved one’s favorite food or personal belongings. Other altar elements include pan de muerto, sugar skulls, photos of your late loved ones, and, of course, marigolds (cempasúchil), which are believed to guide your late loved ones home.

@miculturacandleshop

Our family altar 🤍🧡🤎 #diadelosmuertos #altar #dayofthedead #ofrenda

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♬ sonido original – Olmave

Rituals

Besides making an altar, many people also celebrate by visiting their loved one’s grave and decorating it with marigolds and candles — especially in Mexico. One of the rituals is to share stories of the deceased at the cemetery. Another tradition is to have a family gathering to include these stories and share a meal to commemorate their late family members.

Though it may sound intimidating to make your own for the first time, it’s a beautiful way to honor your late loved ones and remind their souls that they’re always remembered and welcomed.

@sacredsocietywellness

An ofrenda is more than an altar, it’s an offering of memory and love. Here’s a beginner’s guide to making your very first one! #Diadelosmuertos #ofrenda #denver #Altar #MexicanTradition

♬ original sound – Sacred Society Wellness

So if you’re looking for a sign to make your own this year — this is it.