How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos El Paso Altars

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of the most profound and beautifully expressive cultural traditions in the Mexican and Mexican-American communities. While celebrated across Latin America and beyond, the version observed in El Paso, Texas—straddling the U.S.-Mexico border—holds a unique significance. Here, centuries-old indigenous customs blend with contemporary American influences, creating altars (ofrendas) that are deeply personal, visually stunning, and spiritually resonant. Celebrating Día de los Muertos in El Paso is more than an artistic endeavor; it is an act of remembrance, cultural preservation, and intergenerational healing. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to creating an authentic, meaningful Día de los Muertos altar in the El Paso tradition, rooted in local customs, accessible to all, and optimized for both emotional depth and visual impact.

Unlike Halloween, which often focuses on fear and the macabre, Día de los Muertos is a joyful, colorful, and reverent celebration of life. Families believe that during this time—typically November 1st and 2nd—the souls of departed loved ones return to the world of the living to be reunited with their families. The altar serves as a welcoming path, a sacred bridge between realms, filled with offerings that honor the deceased’s tastes, memories, and spirit. In El Paso, where Mexican heritage is woven into the daily fabric of life, these altars are often displayed in homes, community centers, schools, and even public plazas like the El Paso Museum of Art or the historic Segundo Barrio.

This tutorial will walk you through every essential element of building an altar in the El Paso style—from selecting the right location and arranging symbolic items, to incorporating local traditions like papel picado, marigold pathways, and regional foods. Whether you are new to the tradition or seeking to deepen your practice, this guide provides culturally accurate, practical, and emotionally grounded instructions to help you create an altar that honors your loved ones with dignity, beauty, and authenticity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The foundation of any Día de los Muertos altar is its location. In El Paso, altars are often placed in prominent, quiet areas of the home where family members can gather and reflect—such as a living room corner, a dining table, or even a dedicated shelf in a hallway. Avoid placing the altar in high-traffic areas like near the kitchen sink or in front of a TV, as these spaces are considered too mundane for sacred remembrance.

Many families in El Paso prefer to build their altars facing east, toward the rising sun, symbolizing the journey of the soul toward the afterlife. If that’s not feasible, facing the main entrance of the room is acceptable, as it allows the spirits to enter easily. Ensure the space is clean, uncluttered, and free of distractions. A small table or a sturdy wooden crate covered with a clean white cloth can serve as an excellent base. The cloth represents purity and the veil between worlds.

Step 2: Build the Altar Structure

Traditional Día de los Muertos altars in El Paso are typically built in two or three tiers, symbolizing the layers of existence: earth, purgatory, and heaven. While some families use store-bought shelves, many in the border region prefer handmade or repurposed wooden crates, bookshelves, or even stacked suitcases—emphasizing resourcefulness and personal connection.

To construct your altar:

• Begin with the bottom tier to hold offerings like food, drinks, and personal items.
• The middle tier is reserved for photos of the deceased, candles, and religious symbols such as a cross or image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, who is especially revered in El Paso.
• The top tier is for spiritual elements: a cross made of flowers, a small statue of a saint, or a papel picado banner representing the wind and the fragility of life.

Each tier should be clearly defined and stable. Avoid using flimsy materials that may tip or collapse. If using wooden crates, sand and seal them with a clear varnish to give them a polished, respectful appearance.

Step 3: Add Photographs of the Deceased

Photographs are the heart of the altar. In El Paso, families often include multiple images—childhood photos, wedding portraits, or candid snapshots of the person laughing or engaged in a favorite activity. The goal is to capture their essence, not just their appearance.

Place the photographs on the middle tier, slightly elevated so they are clearly visible. Frame them in simple, elegant frames—often silver or black—to avoid visual distraction. Some families in El Paso also include handwritten notes or letters tucked behind the photos, addressed to the departed, expressing love, updates, or gratitude.

It is common to include photos of multiple family members, especially if the altar honors an entire lineage. In this case, arrange them chronologically or by generation, with the most recently departed closest to the front.

Step 4: Light the Candles

Candles are essential to guide the spirits home. In El Paso, families typically use white or purple candles, symbolizing purity and mourning, respectively. However, many also incorporate colored candles that reflect the deceased’s favorite hues or personality—red for passion, yellow for joy, or green for hope.

Light four candles to represent the four cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. This creates a spiritual compass for the souls to navigate. Place the candles on the middle or top tier, ensuring they are secure and away from flammable materials like papel picado or dried flowers.

Many El Paso families use traditional beeswax candles, which burn slowly and emit a soft, natural glow. Some even use small lanterns made from recycled glass jars, decorated with marigold petals and sand. Never leave candles unattended, especially if children or pets are present. Consider using battery-operated LED candles as a safe alternative while preserving the visual effect.

Step 5: Arrange Marigolds (Cempasúchil)

The vibrant orange marigold, known in Spanish as cempasúchil, is the most iconic flower of Día de los Muertos. In El Paso, these flowers are believed to possess a strong scent and vivid color that guide spirits from the cemetery to the altar. The petals are often scattered along a path leading from the front door to the altar, creating a luminous trail for the souls to follow.

To use marigolds effectively:

• Buy fresh marigolds from local markets like the El Paso Farmers Market or the Mercado del Norte.
• Remove the stems and lay the petals in a continuous line, starting from the entrance and ending at the base of the altar.
• Place whole flowers around the photos, candles, and offerings to create a natural frame.
• Some families in El Paso also create large marigold crosses or arches using floral wire and wire mesh, placed above the altar as a symbolic gateway.

Marigolds are often combined with other native flowers like chrysanthemums or zinnias, especially when marigolds are scarce. However, the presence of cempasúchil is non-negotiable in traditional El Paso altars.

Step 6: Include Traditional Foods and Drinks

Food is a central element of the altar, representing the nourishment the spirits need after their long journey. In El Paso, families prepare dishes that the deceased loved during their lifetime. Common offerings include:

• Pan de muerto – a sweet, soft bread often shaped into round loaves with bone-like decorations on top, dusted with sugar. Many El Paso bakers add orange zest or anise seed for regional flavor.
• Mole poblano – a rich, complex sauce made with chocolate, chilies, and spices, traditionally served over chicken or turkey.
• Tamales – steamed corn dough filled with meats, cheeses, or chilies, wrapped in corn husks. In El Paso, tamales are often made with a spicy red chile filling.
• Calaveras de azúcar – sugar skulls, often personalized with the names of the deceased. These are not just decorations; they are edible offerings meant to be shared.
• Frutas – oranges, apples, guavas, and pomegranates are common, symbolizing the sweetness of life.
• Agua, pulque, or tequila – water is always included to quench the spirit’s thirst. Some families also include the deceased’s favorite beverage, whether it’s a bottle of cheap beer, a glass of tequila, or a thermos of coffee.

Place the food on the bottom tier of the altar. Use small ceramic plates or clay bowls to enhance authenticity. Avoid plastic containers. After the celebration, the food is often shared among family members, symbolizing communion with the departed.

Step 7: Decorate with Papel Picado

Papel picado—delicate, hand-cut tissue paper banners—is a signature element of Día de los Muertos in El Paso. These colorful banners represent the wind and the fleeting nature of life. Traditionally, they are cut with intricate designs of skulls, skeletons, flowers, and religious icons.

To incorporate papel picado:

• Hang them above the altar using thin string or fishing line.
• Choose patterns that reflect the personality of the deceased—e.g., musical notes for a musician, books for a teacher, or horses for a rancher.
• Use traditional colors: purple for mourning, pink for celebration, white for purity, and yellow for the sun.
• Many El Paso families make their own papel picado using safety scissors and tissue paper, turning the activity into a family ritual.

Be cautious with placement—keep papel picado away from open flames and direct sunlight to prevent burning or fading. If you’re not crafting your own, purchase them from local artisans in the Segundo Barrio or from vendors at the El Paso Dia de los Muertos Festival.

Step 8: Add Personal Belongings and Mementos

One of the most touching aspects of an El Paso altar is the inclusion of personal items that reflect the deceased’s passions, profession, or hobbies. These objects transform the altar from a generic display into a deeply intimate tribute.

Examples include:

• A favorite hat, scarf, or pair of boots
• A baseball glove, musical instrument, or paintbrush
• Photographs with friends, children, or pets
• A rosary, prayer card, or journal
• Letters, postcards, or ticket stubs from special events

In El Paso, where family ties are strong, it’s common to include items that belonged to grandparents or ancestors, creating a multigenerational altar. For example, a child’s altar might include their grandmother’s embroidery, their father’s old guitar, and their mother’s favorite coffee mug—all arranged together as a tapestry of memory.

Arrange these items thoughtfully, not haphazardly. Each object should have space to be seen and appreciated. Avoid overcrowding; less is often more.

Step 9: Incorporate Incense and Aromatics

Incense, particularly copal resin, is burned on many El Paso altars to purify the space and carry prayers upward. Copal, a sacred tree resin used by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, has a warm, pine-like scent that is believed to attract spirits and ward off negative energy.

To use copal:

• Place a small piece of resin on a heat-safe dish, such as a ceramic shell or a metal spoon.
• Light the resin with a match and let it smolder. Never leave it unattended.
• Alternatively, use copal incense sticks, which are easier to manage and widely available in El Paso’s Mexican grocery stores like La Michoacana or Supermercado El Hidalguense.

Some families also sprinkle dried herbs like rosemary or sage around the base of the altar for additional cleansing energy. The scent should be subtle and comforting, not overpowering.

Step 10: Invite the Community and Reflect

In El Paso, Día de los Muertos is never a solitary ritual. Families often invite neighbors, friends, and even strangers to view the altar, share stories, and light candles in memory of their own loved ones. This communal aspect is vital—it transforms private grief into collective healing.

Consider adding a small notebook or guestbook near the altar where visitors can write messages to the deceased. Many El Paso families report that these notes become cherished keepsakes, sometimes read aloud during family gatherings years later.

At sunset on November 1st or 2nd, gather around the altar with candles lit. Play soft music—perhaps a mariachi ballad, a traditional corrido, or the favorite song of the departed. Share a memory, a joke, or a silent prayer. This moment of quiet reflection is the true heart of the celebration.

Best Practices

Creating a Día de los Muertos altar in El Paso is both an art and a spiritual practice. To honor the tradition with integrity and respect, follow these best practices:

Respect Cultural Origins

Día de los Muertos is not a Mexican version of Halloween. It is a syncretic tradition rooted in indigenous Aztec rituals honoring Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead, blended with Catholic All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. Avoid using Halloween imagery such as witches, vampires, or jack-o’-lanterns. These distort the meaning and trivialize a sacred practice.

In El Paso, families take pride in maintaining authenticity. Use traditional symbols, avoid commercialized or cartoonish skeletons, and educate yourself on the cultural significance of each element before including it.

Use Natural, Biodegradable Materials

Traditional altars in El Paso rely on natural, locally sourced materials: flowers, fruits, wood, clay, paper, and wax. Avoid plastic flowers, synthetic fabrics, or mass-produced decorations. These materials are not only disrespectful to the tradition but also environmentally harmful.

When possible, purchase supplies from local vendors. Supporting small businesses in the Segundo Barrio or Juárez reinforces community ties and keeps the tradition alive.

Include All Generations

Altars in El Paso often honor multiple family members across generations. This reflects the belief that death is not an end but a continuation of the family’s story. Involve children in building the altar—let them draw pictures, choose flowers, or write notes. This teaches them that remembering is an act of love, not fear.

It’s also common to include ancestors whose names are no longer spoken. A small candle or flower can be placed for “those we’ve forgotten but still hold in our hearts.”

Keep It Clean and Tended

The altar is not a static display—it is a living space. Check on it daily. Replace wilted flowers, refill water, and relight candles as needed. If food begins to spoil, remove it respectfully and replace it with fresh offerings.

Many El Paso families believe that if the altar is neglected, the spirits may feel unwelcome. Daily attention is a quiet act of devotion.

Be Mindful of Religious Sensitivities

While many El Paso families blend Catholic and indigenous beliefs, not all do. Some may prefer to avoid religious icons entirely. If you are unsure of the deceased’s beliefs, err on the side of simplicity. A single cross, a candle, and a photo may be enough.

Always ask family members before including religious symbols. In some households, the Virgin of Guadalupe is central; in others, she is not included at all.

Document and Share Responsibly

It’s common to take photos of altars to share with distant family or on social media. However, always ask permission before photographing someone else’s altar, especially if it contains images of recently deceased loved ones.

When posting online, avoid using hashtags like

Halloween or #DeadCelebration. Instead, use #DiaDeLosMuertos, #OfrendaElPaso, or #RememberWithLove to honor the tradition accurately.

Tools and Resources

Building an authentic Día de los Muertos altar in El Paso requires access to specific tools and culturally appropriate materials. Here’s a curated list of resources to help you gather everything you need:

Local Markets and Stores in El Paso

• El Paso Farmers Market – Open on weekends, this market offers fresh marigolds, pan de muerto, and handmade sugar skulls from local artisans.
• Mercado del Norte – A cultural hub in the heart of the city, featuring vendors who sell papel picado, traditional clothing, and altar supplies.
• La Michoacana – A chain of Mexican ice cream and pastry shops that sell authentic pan de muerto and calaveras de azúcar during the season.
• Supermercado El Hidalguense – Offers copal incense, ceramic plates, and religious items used in traditional altars.
• Segundo Barrio Artisan Shops – Small studios run by local artists who create custom papel picado, clay figurines, and hand-painted candles.

Online Resources for Authentic Supplies

• Ofrenda Supply Co. – A small business specializing in culturally accurate altar supplies shipped from Texas and Mexico. Offers educational guides with each order.
• La Casa de la Cultura (Online) – Provides downloadable templates for papel picado, recipes for traditional foods, and video tutorials on altar-building.
• El Paso Museum of Art – Día de los Muertos Digital Archive – A free online collection of historic altars from El Paso, curated by local historians and anthropologists. Excellent for inspiration and research.

Books and Media for Deeper Understanding

• Day of the Dead: A Cultural History of the Mexican Rite by Anna-Lisa Cox – Explores the evolution of the tradition across the borderlands.
• Ofrendas: The Art of Día de los Muertos by Lourdes Gutiérrez – A photographic essay featuring altars from El Paso, Juárez, and beyond.
• The Day of the Dead in El Paso: A Community’s Memory – A documentary film by the University of Texas at El Paso, available on YouTube and local public libraries.

Community Events and Workshops

El Paso hosts several public events during Día de los Muertos that offer hands-on learning:

• El Paso Dia de los Muertos Festival – Held annually in late October at the El Paso Convention Center. Features altar displays, live music, food vendors, and free altar-building workshops.
• Segundo Barrio Cultural Center – Offers weekly classes for children and adults on making papel picado, decorating sugar skulls, and writing ofrenda poems.
• University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) – Anthropology Department – Hosts public lectures on the history and symbolism of Día de los Muertos, open to the community.

Real Examples

To ground this guide in lived experience, here are three real examples of Día de los Muertos altars created by El Paso families:

Example 1: The García Family Altar

The García family, whose roots trace back to Ciudad Juárez, built a three-tier altar in their living room to honor their matriarch, Abuela Rosa, who passed away in 2022. The bottom tier held her favorite dishes: tamales de mole, a bowl of fresh guava, and a bottle of her favorite tequila. The middle tier displayed her wedding photo, a small Virgin of Guadalupe statue, and her rosary. Above, they hung a hand-cut papel picado with images of birds—her favorite animal—flying across the sky. A pathway of marigold petals led from the front door to the altar, and a candle was lit each evening at 7 p.m., the time she always had her coffee. The family kept a journal beside the altar, where each child wrote a note every day. After two weeks, they read the notes aloud during a family dinner, laughing and crying together.

Example 2: The Rivera Community Altar

In 2023, the students and teachers at Franklin High School in El Paso created a public altar in the school courtyard to honor community members lost to violence and illness. The altar included photos of 17 individuals—some known to the school, others known only by name. Each photo was accompanied by a small object: a soccer ball, a pair of glasses, a child’s drawing, a prayer card. Students made papel picado with messages like “We Remember You” and “Your Light Still Shines.” The school invited local musicians to play traditional songs each evening. The altar became a gathering place for grief and healing, with over 500 visitors in its two-week display. The school later donated the photos and notes to the El Paso Museum of Art for preservation.

Example 3: The Martinez Family Intergenerational Altar

Donna Martinez, a 68-year-old grandmother, built an altar that honored four generations of her family: her great-grandmother, her mother, her brother, and her infant grandson who passed away shortly after birth. The altar included a hand-sewn quilt made by her great-grandmother, her mother’s favorite perfume bottle, her brother’s cowboy boots, and a tiny sock belonging to her grandson. She placed a photo of each person in a different tier. On the top, she added a small wooden dove—symbolizing peace—and a single candle that burned continuously. Each morning, she lit a new candle for one of the four and whispered their name. “It’s not about being sad,” she said. “It’s about keeping them close.”

FAQs

Can I build a Día de los Muertos altar if I’m not Mexican?

Yes, you can. Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life and memory that transcends ethnicity. However, it is essential to approach the tradition with respect, not appropriation. Learn the meaning behind each element, avoid stereotypes, and credit the culture. In El Paso, many non-Mexican families have built meaningful altars after learning from their Mexican neighbors and friends.

How long should the altar stay up?

Traditionally, altars are set up on October 28th or 29th and remain until November 3rd or 4th. This allows time for the souls of the departed to arrive, celebrate, and depart. Some families remove the altar on November 2nd after a final family gathering. Others keep it up longer if they feel the spirits are still near.

Can I use artificial flowers instead of real marigolds?

While real marigolds are preferred for their scent and symbolism, some families use artificial ones due to allergies or scarcity. If you must use artificial flowers, choose ones that closely resemble the vibrant orange hue of cempasúchil. Always include at least one real marigold if possible.

What if I don’t know much about my ancestors?

That’s okay. You can still create a meaningful altar. Place a photo of yourself as a child, or write a letter to your ancestors. Light a candle for “those I never met but who shaped me.” Many El Paso families honor unknown ancestors with a simple bowl of water, a pinch of salt, and a single marigold.

Is it appropriate to include pets on the altar?

Yes. In El Paso, pets are considered family. Many altars include photos of beloved dogs, cats, or birds. Offer them a small bowl of water or their favorite treat. Their presence reminds us that love does not end with death.

Can I make an altar for someone who died recently?

Absolutely. In fact, altars are often built for those who passed away within the past year. Their presence is felt most strongly during this time. Allow yourself to grieve openly. The altar is a space for tears, laughter, and healing.

What if my family doesn’t celebrate Día de los Muertos?

You can still honor your loved ones privately. Begin with a single photo, a candle, and a flower. Over time, you may invite others to join you. Many El Paso families started small and grew their tradition through quiet persistence.

Conclusion

Celebrating Día de los Muertos through the creation of an altar in El Paso is more than a cultural ritual—it is an act of love that transcends time and space. It is a way to say, “You are not forgotten,” not just to the departed, but to yourself, to your family, and to the community that holds your memories. The altars of El Paso are living testaments to resilience, heritage, and the enduring power of remembrance.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—choosing a sacred space, honoring with marigolds and candles, offering food and mementos, and inviting community—you participate in a tradition that has survived colonization, migration, and loss. You become part of a continuum that stretches from ancient Mesoamerica to the bustling streets of the Paso del Norte.

There is no single “right” way to build an altar. What matters most is the intention behind it. Whether your altar is elaborate or simple, silent or filled with song, it carries the same sacred truth: that love outlives death, and memory is the greatest gift we can give.

This year, as November approaches, take the time to build your altar—not as a performance, but as a prayer. Light the candles. Scatter the petals. Speak their name. And in that quiet moment, you will feel them near.