Family Ofrenda
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Elements of a Día de los Muertos Ofrenda
Four main elements of nature are found on an ofrenda:
- Wind: The papel picado also lets loved one know when the spirits have arrived.
- Earth: The soul is nourished by favorite family dishes that represent the crops of
the earth. Common edibles include fruit, mole, chocolate, and atole. - Fire: Visiting souls are illuminated from the shadow of death by candles. Each
one represents a departed soul. Additional candles are added for forgotten
souls. - Water: provided to refresh the soul after their journey
Additional elements found on an ofrenda
- Papel picado adds color to the ofrenda
- Sugar skulls, or calaveras, add a lighthearted touch, for both the dead and the
living. - Cempasuchitl, the Aztec term for “marigolds” is the traditional flower used to
honor the dead. - Photograph(s) of the person(s) the altar is dedicated to
- Food often includes the deceased person’s favorite foods.
- Candles represents a lighted path to this world.
- Salt, a symbol of purification,
- The deceased’s favorite objects
Thank you for your interest in A.K. Smiley Public Library’s
Día de los Muerto’s event!
You are invited to create an ofrenda for public display on
Sunday, November 1 , 2026. st
To reserve your space, please return this completed form to
A.K. Smiley Public Library, 125 W. Vine St, Redlands,
California, 92373, by October 16, 2026.
- Location: The Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands.
- All participants will be provided a table to decorate.
- Setup: Thursday, October 29 from 12:00AM to 5:00PM,
or Friday, October 30 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM,
or Saturday, October 31 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM,
or schedule an appointment. - Teardown: Sunday, November 1 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.
