When is the Day of the Dead altar set up?

The Mexicans are children of corn, but they are also one of the countries with the most faithful Catholics; that is to say, we are a society of contrasts, a product of the collision of two very different cultures, which is reflected in gastronomy and celebrations. The Day of the Dead is the perfect example. The Day of the Dead, which is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is a party that, ironically, is full of joy, colors, food, drinks, and memories. During this time, Mexican families set up altars and offerings, which usually include the favorite dishes of the deceased, as well as papel picado, little skulls, cempasúchil, salt, water, copal, photographs, pan de muerto, candles, and other elements.  Unlike most Western societies, for whom death is synonymous with sadness and bad omens, Mexicans perceive the Day of the Dead as an opportunity to remember and create a bond with their relatives through food and celebration. However, there is often a lot of confusion about when to set up the Day of the Dead offering, so at Kiwilimón we explain everything you need to know about this celebration, take note! You can also read: Why do we leave food for the dead?When is the Day of the Dead offering set up? The offering for the Day of the Dead is the link that allows us to connect, honor, and pamper our deceased in a unique way, so it is essential to know the perfect day to set up the offering, but this depends on some factors, here we explain which ones! Let’s start with those who passed away in October, a month before the Day of the Dead. According to popular belief, they do not yet have permission to visit their families, so you will have to wait until the following year.  The offerings and altars begin to be set up on October 28th, as this day is dedicated to people who died in accidents or violence.  The offerings placed on October 30th and 31st are dedicated to children who died unbaptized, known as “limbitos.” This type of offering should include flowers and white candles.  On November 1st, the offering for children is set up. In the Christian calendar, this date is known as All Saints' Day. Unlike the altar of the following day, this one usually contains toys, candies of all kinds, and even balloons.  The offering on November 2nd is dedicated to all adults, as it is the celebration of the Day of the Faithful Departed. Unlike the offering for children, this one includes heartier dishes such as mole and alcoholic beverages like tequila.  As you can see, there is a very specific order for our relatives to visit us, so it is important to consider the status of each of your deceased. Therefore, it is best to make a list of the items you are missing before going to the market.  You can also read: What is alfeñique and what is its importance in the Day of the Dead altar? Why are there different dates for setting up the offering? The dates for setting up the Day of the Dead offering range from October 28th to November 2nd, but what is the reason for this?  In a text titled The Indigenous Festival Dedicated to the Dead in Mexico, published by Conaculta, it is explained that the days to set up the offering depend on the age of the deceased since pre-Hispanic times, as “Fray Diego Durán says that in the Nahua indigenous ritual there were two festivals dedicated to the worship of the dead: Miccailhuitontli or the Little Dead Festival, which was commemorated in the ninth month of the Nahua calendar, equivalent to August in the Christian year; and the Great Festival of the Dead, celebrated in the tenth month of the year.”  On the other hand, researcher Lilian Scheffler explains that very similar rites were performed in the Iberian Peninsula, as in Mesoamerica, where every year families visited cemeteries and placed bread, wine, and flowers on the graves. During All Saints' celebration, food was prepared in memory of the dead. In Salamanca and León, ‘pan de muerto’ was distributed among the poor, and in Segovia, on the Day of the Faithful Departed, ‘pan de ánimas’ was given to them. You can also read: What does pan de muerto mean? The essential elements for the offering Now that you know which day to set up the offering, let’s remind you of all the elements you should include.  3 levels: It is divided into several levels to represent heaven, earth, and the underworld. Papel picado: Represents the wind and also the joy we feel when receiving a visit from our deceased.  Cempasúchil flower: It is believed to guide and illuminate the path of the deceased with its scent and color.  Pan de muerto: According to UAEH, the bread in the offering is “a representation of the Eucharist, and was added by the Spanish evangelizers.” Little skulls: Represent the deceased, whom we remember in our offering. Candles: The candles illuminate the path of those who visit us.  Water: Serves to quench the thirst of visiting relatives. Salt: It is placed at the same level as the photograph of the deceased and besides being a Catholic symbol, it is believed to purify the soul.  Copal: This pre-Hispanic element purifies the energy in the home.  Photographs: They help us remember our deceased and should be placed at the highest level of the offering.  Food and drink: Don’t forget to cook the favorite dishes of the deceased, as well as include their favorite drinks.  When is the offering taken down? It is believed that the deceased return to the other world on November 3rd, so the offering is taken down on this date. The sweets and food are enjoyed with family or shared among relatives and friends.