9 foods that must not be missing from your altar of the dead

The Day of the Dead altar is a very important ritual to celebrate Día de Muertos in Mexico, as it is the ideal tribute to show love and respect to our dearly departed. To create a unique offering, in addition to adding papel picado, candles, copal, and cempasúchil flowers, we will show you the x foods that must not be missing from your altar. Pan de muerto The pan de muerto is an essential element in the offerings, as its circular shape represents the cycle of life, the strips shaped like little bones represent the tears of the deceased, and the little ball on top represents their skull. Mole with riceThis typical Mexican dish is commonly offered in the states of Michoacán and Puebla, as tradition dictates that the spirits arrive hungry, and what better food to begin the feast than an icon of Mexican cuisine that we all love. AlcoholMezcal, tequila, rompope, and even pulque! These alcoholic beverages are the most popular among altars, although others can also be added; ideally, you should place the favorites of our dearly departed. Seasonal fruit It is essential to place seasonal fruit on the Day of the Dead altar; mandarins are a must, as well as jicamas, oranges, apples, and even pears. All these fruits, besides brightening the visit of the dearly departed, will help add more colors and contrasts to the offering. Water Don't forget to place enough glasses of water on your altar, as they will quench the spirits' thirst and help them continue their journey once they are satisfied. Sugar skulls Just as in pre-Hispanic times, the Tzompantli was covered with skulls to offer to the gods, don't forget to place the typical sugar, amaranth, or chocolate skulls on your altar to honor your deceased. Traditional sweets If among your dearly departed there are children, don't forget to leave them a sweet surprise like tamarinds, palanquetas, alegrías, and cocadas to brighten their path. Tamales The tamales are a classic food on the Day of the Dead altars, so don't forget to leave at least one green tamal, one sweet tamal, and another with red sauce to satisfy your dearly departed. Historically, offerings with tamales have been found from pre-Hispanic times through colonial and modern times. Atole and hot chocolate Both atole and hot chocolate are important representatives of Mexican cuisine and both have pre-Hispanic roots, as atole comes from corn and chocolate from cacao, which is why it is common to see them in the offerings, in addition to being the ideal beverages to treat our dearly departed. Undoubtedly, food and drinks are an essential element in the Day of the Dead altar, but remember that their main function is to honor those who are no longer with us, so if they had a favorite dish, don't forget to add it to the offering. Do you know of or usually add any other food to your Day of the Dead altar?