Día de los Muertos Altar

A 3-tier Day of the Dead altar draped in black fabric and brightly decorated with flowers, candles, food and paper cut outs.

ARCHIVED EVENT

30 October to 10 November 2024 (during opening hours)

The Andrews Gallery, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology 

Free, booking not required

About the event

Our Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar is returning for 2024! Located on the second floor we are once again delighted to host the altar, which will be created by the University of Cambridge Mexican Society. Entry to the museum is free, so why not drop by and take a look.

We will also be offering free drop-in family craft sessions on Thursday 31 October, Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November (10am-4pm).

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos, often referred to as the Day of the Dead, has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years. It brings together elements of Aztec and Maya religions as well as Catholicism (brought to Mexico by the Spanish). 

For Mexicans everywhere, the Day of the Dead is a time for remembering relatives, friends and ancestors in a lighter way, with the emphasis on laughter and music, rather than sorrow and fear. The colourful tradition reflects the belief that we are not truly dead until there is no one alive to remember us.

The celebrations start around the 28 October, reaching their peak on the 2 November. A key part of the festival's building an altar in the most important area of the house. The whole family takes part in decorating the altar to honour a deceased relative. Usually, altars have three levels - to represent the sky, the earth, and the underworld.

Day of the Dead altar covered with black cloth with a butterfly design made of orange sand which is surrounded by LED tea lights. Offerings of food and flowers decorate the altar alongside a statue of the Virgin Mary and brightly decorated skulls.
Image credit: My Linh Le, 2023.

About the altar and offerings (ofrendas)

Mexicans believe that the spirit of the deceased person returns during the Day of the Dead to enjoy what they most enjoyed in life, so special attention is given to decorating the altar.

The lowest level of the altar symbolises the underworld and is the first to be arranged. Flowers, candles, and wood dust shapes make a trail to guide the deceased soul to the altar.

The second level represents the world of the living, and this is where the objects that the person used or enjoyed are placed. Common items include games, musical instruments, clothes, drink, and food (including bread and sweets). The food is placed in baskets and pots.

The third level represents the sky and the spiritual level. A picture of the deceased is placed here along with a glass of water and a cross made of salt or ashes. This year, the University of Cambridge Mexican Society have dedicated the altar to poet, writer, and diplomat Octavio Paz.