Ofrenda – Día de los Muertos

Starting October 24, the Sherwood Cultural Arts Commission invites you to participate in our community ofrenda by adding something meaningful to you or your family. An ofrenda is a special way to celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), honoring loved ones who are no longer with us. Ofrenda’s often honor family members, but you may also want to include dear friends or beloved pets who you miss. Traditional offerings you can add include photographs, marigolds, papel picado, candles, salt and more. Come learn more about this beautiful tradition and see our community ofrenda through November 2 in the Center for the Arts lobby.

The purpose of an ofrenda:

An ofrenda is a special way to celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It is an altar built to honor loved ones who are no longer with us.

Offerings are placed upon the ofrenda, to help us remember, learn about, and celebrate their lives.

Día de los Muertos customs are rooted in the Aztec belief that during Día de los Muertos the souls of lost loved ones can return from the land of the dead, feast on the smells of the food and drinks on the ofrenda, and be with their beloved families again. That tradition was blended with the Roman Catholic observance of All Saints Day by the Spaniards when they conquered Mexico. The ofrenda is made to connect both worlds, the living and the dead, and allow us to reflect on the past.

Add an offering:

We invite you to participate by adding something special to you and your family. Ofrendas often honor family members, but you may also want to include dear friends or beloved pets who you miss.

Traditional offerings you can add to the ofrenda:

–Food and Drinks– The souls can enjoy their favorites from when they were alive. Water will quench the thirst of a tired soul, and fruits are also commonly placed on ofrendas.

–Photographs– Photos of the lost loved ones along with something that reminds you of them or their interests.

–Cempasúchil/Marigolds– “The flower of the dead” whose scent can guide the souls back.

–Pan de Muerto/Bread of the dead– This sweet bread can feed a soul after their long journey back.

–Papel Picado– Banners of tissue paper are carefully cut into words or designs. These may represent the fragility of life, or the banner’s movement can represent the presence of a soul.

–Candles– The flame of a candle can represent hope and faith.

–Salt-This represents the continuance of life.

–Esqueletos/Skeletons– Much different from Halloween skeletons, Day of the Dead skeletons are colorful and comical, and meant to bring joy