Dia de Los Muertos is a time to celebrate deceased loved ones. In Hispanic culture, the holiday pays respect to family members and friends. 

Senior Lucero Doyle said Dia de Los Muertos is a time to honor the dead while cherishing the time left spent with loved ones. She celebrates her passed loved ones with her family. 

“My family has recently started to make our own ofrenda at home,” Doyle said. “We decorate the ofrenda with the favorite foods or drinks of dead loved ones along with candles and flowers to welcome the dead back home.”

When creating an ofrenda it is important to place items that hold a high significance to the person being honored such as favorite drinks, food or belongings. 

Ofrendas typically include candles, incense, marigolds and items that represent the four elements: fire, water, air and earth. Traditionally, ofrendas have levels that indicate the steps the soul has taken. A three-level ofrenda would represent Earth, Heaven and Purgatory. However, some ofrendas have seven levels. 

Sophomore Adrian Garza celebrates Dia de Los Muertos with his extended family.

“Even though I’m not extremely religious, I like to think that my past family members come to visit me,” Garza said.

Dia de Los Muertos can have a multitude of meanings to any individual. It is a holiday meant to reflect and invite past loved ones, but it is also a time to honor the time previously spent with the person. 

“When you’re celebrating this tradition and holiday, please celebrate it with a lot of respect,” Garza said. “It is an honored tradition, in my family at least, and it is very sacred.”