This year for Día de Los Muertos, we welcomed my grandparents and father in law into our home. I love this time of year. To me, it marks the beginning of new life. It’s almost as if our ancestors come down to bless our home and lift up our spirits.
On Sunday the 1st this year my husband, son and Igathered around the altar and payed homage to my father in law by playing his favorite songs. My father in law was a musician and every year we lay out his accordion for him. We like to believe he likes to come down and play for his grandson. I take time to speak to my grandparents. This year I introduced my little girl to both of my grandmothers. I felt their spirit and hers connect right away. It was a beautiful day that my family will never forget. My son was having a full conversation with his grandpa and my daughter laughing, it was beautiful.
I love to see how this tradition has expanded and reaches more and households every year. Muertos (the way we refer to this day in Oaxaca) was always such a monumental part of my life growing up. My grandma had an entire room dedicated to her altar and I remember he entire household smelling like smoked chile pasilla and mole.
Of course, my altar looks very different than that of my grandma. I chose to have a minimal look this year, in order for my Oaxacan candles to shine. Huge shout out to one of my best friends, Omar Alonso (@oaxacking) for introducing me to the candle makers. It was a mission getting these beauties from Oaxaca to LA, but well worth it.
In Oaxaca, there are certain traditions that an altar must always have.
Photos of loved ones who’ve past, flowers to represent the earth, copal to represent the smell that connects us to life, their favorite foods and drinks of choice (including pan de muerto), and water. My mom also always told me an altar must be three levels.
Can’t wait to see your own altars come to life in your own homes in the years to come.
