Collection: Day of the Dead Decorations

When is Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is celebrated on November 1 and 2 each year. In many Mexican communities, November 1 honors children who have died and November 2 remembers adults. Preparations often begin in late October, with customs varying by region and family.

How do Mexicans decorate for Day of the Dead?

Many Mexican families decorate home altars, called ofrendas, and loved ones’ graves with marigolds, candles, photographs and favorite foods. Papel picado adds color above altars and across streets. Each display reflects the lives of those being remembered, with offerings placed to welcome their spirits.

What are the most important decorations for Day of the Dead?

Traditional Day of the Dead decorations include:

• Papel picado: Intricately cut paper banners hung above altars and across rooms.
• Marigolds (cempasúchil): Orange or yellow flowers; our paper marigolds offer a reusable alternative.
• Calaveras (skulls): Traditional sugar skulls or decorative ceramic sugar skulls for altars and table displays.
• Candles: A traditional altar element, with LED candles a practical option around paper decorations.
• Photographs and keepsakes: Personal reminders of the loved ones being honored.

Complete an ofrenda with offerings of water, favorite foods and pan de muerto, the traditional sweet bread.

What are 5 symbols of Day of the Dead?

Five familiar symbols and their common meanings are:

1. Calaveras: Skulls that remember the dead and acknowledge death as part of life.
2. Cempasúchil: Marigolds traditionally believed to guide spirits home through their scent and color.
3. Papel picado: Delicate cut paper representing wind.
4. Candles: Lights traditionally placed to guide returning souls.
5. Pan de muerto: Bread offered to welcome and nourish the departed.

How do you hold a Día de Muertos themed event?

Center your Día de Muertos event on remembrance, Mexican food, music and a shared ofrenda. Invite guests to bring a photograph or memory of a loved one. Hang papel picado overhead, arrange marigolds and ceramic skulls, and set tables with Mexican placemats.

Add a creative activity using our ceramic sugar skulls to paint. For outdoor spaces, choose waterproof plastic papel picado.

Do you have to be Mexican to put up an ofrenda?

No. You do not have to be Mexican to make an ofrenda. A thoughtful approach is to learn about the tradition’s Mexican and Indigenous roots, understand its offerings, and create a personal tribute to loved ones who have died.

How do you make a Day of the Dead Altar?

Start with a table or shelf and arrange your offerings around the person or people you want to remember:

1. Cover the surface with a cloth, adding stable raised levels if you wish.
2. Place photographs and meaningful keepsakes where they can be seen.
3. Add water, a little salt, favorite foods and pan de muerto.
4. Decorate with marigolds, papel picado, skulls and candles or LED lights.

Customs vary; your altar can be simple and personal. See our guide to making a Day of the Dead altar for more ideas.

Ceramic Skulls

Handcrafted ceramic skulls are a key part of the collection. Each skull is hand-painted by artisans in Mexico using colourful patterns inspired by traditional calaveras. The vibrant colors and detailed floral patterns are inspired by traditional sugar skulls (calaveras). They symbolize the sweetness of life and the memory of loved ones. They can be used on an ofrenda or displayed as decorative pieces. Unpainted ceramic skulls are also available for those who want to decorate their own.

Papel Picado and Flowers

The collection includes traditional papel picado banners in different colours, sizes, and materials. These decorative cut-paper banners feature skull and skeleton motifs associated with Día de los Muertos. Paper marigold flowers (cempasúchil) are also available. In Mexican tradition, marigolds or cempasúchil are known as the "flower of the dead" and are believed to guide spirits back home. They are placed on altars and used in decorations during the holiday.

Table Decorations

Table items in the collection include felt papel picado placemats and handwoven serape placemats. These pieces add colour and traditional Mexican design to table settings for Día de los Muertos meals and gatherings.

Handmade by Mexican Artisans

All items in this collection are handmade in Mexico by local artisans. Purchasing these decorations helps support traditional craft techniques and artisan communities.

Explore the collection to find handmade decorations for celebrating Día de los Muertos at home.