Fresh fruit, artificial fruit, and fruit made from candied marzipan can be found at these alters. Left to tempt those on the other side, fruit is often added to ofrendas. These events not only honor our ancestors but often introduce new people to the culture and beliefs of the Latinidad. The holiday has become so mainstream that festivals, marathons, parties and art shows are held every year. Ofrenda competitions have become common in communities that celebrate Día de los Muertos. Aztec marigolds are such a staple of Día de los Muertos that children are often taught to make them out of tissue paper to contribute to ofrendas. Whether fresh or made from silk, these flowers are a staple on alters across Latin America. Like this alter, most feature bright papel picado banners and Aztec (or Mexican) marigolds. Colores y flores Credit: tizmtz / Instagram Statues and images of the Virgin of Guadalupe, angels, santos, and Jesus are often added to alters. However, like with Santeria, ideologies are blended into a unique celebration of beliefs. Día de los Muertos isn’t a Christian festival. In order to incorporate Aztec and Catholic beliefs, many ofrendas feature Christian iconography. La Virgen de Guadalupe rests on this ofrenda. On Día de los Muertos, this veil is lifted and loved ones are able to check in on their mortal families. As they enjoy their otherworldly lives, they are separated from the land of the living by a thin veil. Observers of Día de los Muertos believe our loved ones continue life in the spiritual realm. An outdoor altar to those on their otherworldly journey. The most icon of these skeleton personalities is La Calavera Catrina. Whether made of sugar, glass, or paper, these skulls are sugnificant symbolizing the dead who journey back to the land of the living once a year. Ofrendas often feature colorful and vibrant skulls.