Ofrenda

In the coastal region of Veracruz, seashells, fish, and seaweed are often added to ofrendas to represent the significance of the sea in the lives of the local communities.

The urban setting facilitates a dynamic fusion of historical homage and present-day creative expression, showcasing the city's cultural evolution.

The topmost tier identifies the dead person who is being invited to the altar, frequently with photos of the deceased, along with images of various saints, statuettes of the Virgin Mary, crucifixes, etc.

The bottom-most tier almost always contains lit candles, and might also have a washbasin, mirror, soap, and a towel so that the spirit of the deceased can see and refresh themselves upon arrival at the altar.

Throughout the altar are placed calaveras (decorated candied skulls made from compressed sugar) and bright orange and yellow marigolds (cempazuchitl), an Aztec flower of the dead.

According to cultural descriptions of the celebration, the smell from the Marigolds helps guide the dead to the ofrenda, and the petals are often picked and spread in a pathway to lead the way.

[12] The James Bond film Spectre includes a scene set during the Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico City, featuring elaborate ofrendas and traditional costumes.

[13] In Season 15 of Grey's Anatomy, the family of a patient build an ofrenda in her hospital room to mark the Día de los Muertos.

[14] On episode 1 of season 3 of the TV series Breaking Bad includes a scene showing Mexican characters crawling towards a shrine of Santa Muerte.