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But First, What Is the Structure of the Ofrenda?
Photo by Roger Ce on UnsplashDay of the Dead focuses on the passage of souls from the plane of the living to the plane of the dead. With that symbolism in mind, an ofrenda has three levels that represent the journey from earth to the afterlife. The top level represents heaven, the middle level represents earth, and the lower level represents the underworld.
Top Level: Heaven
Photo by Alberto Lara
The top level is the spot for religious symbols such as crosses, rosaries, or images of saints. This is meant to welcome the spirits and bless them on their visit. Photos of loved ones are also placed at the top as a focal point. This is meant to identify who the ofrenda is for, so the spirit arrives at the right place, and it’s also to let your loved one know they’re remembered and cherished.
Middle Level: Offerings
Photo by Bruno Cervera
The middle level of the ofrenda is dedicated to the offerings you want to make to your loved one. This is the spot to place the dishes and drinks they enjoyed most in life so they can enjoy them once more. It’s also the place where you put any cherished items of the person you’re building the offering for. For example, something they made themselves or things like their favorite jewelry.
Lower Level: Practicality
Photo by Bruno Cervera
The lower level is where you place candles, salt, and water, which are elements that represent purity and refreshment. The candles are meant to light the way for them, salt helps the souls purify, and the water is to quench their thirst after their journey from the spirit world. Flowers can be placed on the lower level as well and the traditional option is marigolds, known as the “flower of the dead.” Their bright color and scent are also believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living. Spread petals on the altar or use them to create paths leading up to it. It’s also common to place mirrors on this level, to help the dead see themselves when they return.
The Four Main Elements of the Ofrenda
Photo by Marco Ramos
Your ofrenda needs to incorporate the four elements–earth, wind, fire, and water because they represent life. Earth can be represented by items like a piece of carpet, sand, rocks, or dirt. It can also be represented by food, including traditional foods like tamales, mole, fruits, and pan de muerto, which is a traditional sweet bread with crossbones-shaped decorations, or even sugar skulls.
Wind can be represented with papel picado (traditional paper banners), which are very colorful and vibrant. But it can be left out if it's too complicated to make or find some. Fire is represented by candles, which are meant to guide spirits to the altar and then back to the afterlife when the celebration is over. Water can be represented with a glass of water, which will also serve as a refreshment for the spirit after their long journey.
Make Your Ofrenda a Beacon of Your Love
Photo by Chris Luengas
Do you have photos of your relatives for the altar? That smiling photo of your papá, mamá, tía, tío or your abuelos. You can also add anyone who you want to pay respects to or any inspiring people who’ve gone through your life. If you don't have a photo, you can include a paper with their name written on it, or any other item that symbolizes their presence.
Remember, this day is to honor the people who’ve left a footprint on your life journey. At the end of the day, a photograph or symbol of your loved one, candles, and a table to put everything on is all you really need to build your own ofrenda and celebrate them.
Ofrendas are unique and beautiful, so get as creative as you want, add papel picado, pan de Muerto, your loved one’s favorite drink and foods, flowers, calacas, a lot of candles, and make it as colorful as you desire. There are thousands of ways to mix it up but ultimately, as long as it's meaningful for you, it will be meaningful for them.
Remind yourself that they will appreciate the effort and intention. Just keep your beloved people in mind and your ofrenda will look and feel fantastic!
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Los Aluxes (The Elves) from Mexico
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of Los Aluxes
In the Yucatán peninsula, the legend of the Aluxes is rooted in Mayan culture. These playful spirits look like tiny children, wearing sandals and hats, and usually hang out with a dog. They live in caves and protect the forests and farmers’ fields. But here’s the thing: the Aluxes treat you how you treat them. Be respectful, and they’ll help your crops thrive. But after seven years? You’ve gotta seal their tiny house, or they’ll start messing with you. We’re talking lost belongings, creepy sleepwalking, and nightmares. If you really anger them, you might come down with "mal aire" (bad air), a sickness only a specialized healer can cure. So yeah, better be nice to these little guys!
El Carruaje de la Muerte (The Carriage of Death) from Guatemala
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Carruaje de la Muerte
Picture this: a pitch-black carriage pulled by black horses with fiery red eyes, thundering through the streets of Guatemala City. That’s the "Carruaje de la Muerte"—The Carriage of Death—and it’s said to collect the souls of the dying. Legend has it, if you see it, you might be next. The carriage floats rather than rumbles, and the driver, dressed in black, can knock you out with just a glance. It’s also known to park outside the homes of those on their deathbeds. So, if you hear the sound of a carriage in Guatemala at night, head inside ASAP. Better safe than sorry…
La Tatuana (The Tatuana) from Guatemala
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of La Tatuana
Unlike your typical ghost or spirit, "La Tatuana" was believed to be a witch. She was purchased as a slave by a warlock during the Spanish Inquisition, who taught her dark magic and tattooed a ship on her arm for protection. When she was accused of witchcraft, she used a piece of coal to draw an identical ship on her prison wall. When her execution day arrived, she whispered some words and disappeared, boarding the drawn ship. Talk about a magical escape—La Tatuana was never seen again.
El Cadejo (The Dog with Red Eyes) from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Cadejo
The legend of "El Cadejo" is one of the most popular myths in Central America. There are two versions of Cadejo: the evil black Cadejo, a wooly dog with fiery red eyes and goat hooves, and the protective white Cadejo, a friendly guardian. The black Cadejo attaches itself to men living reckless lives, leading them to rock bottom and destruction, while the white Cadejo watches over women and children, protecting them from harm. The two are mortal enemies, and it’s said that when the white Cadejo is guarding you, you might catch a whiff of sulfur—creepy, right?
La Niña de Negro (The Girl in Black) from Guatemala
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of La Niña de Negro
Since the early 1900s, a mysterious girl dressed in black has been spotted in Guatemala City’s cathedral. Frail and pale, she walks through the church, and those who see her say she offers a gold chain with a piece of paper attached. What’s on it? Her address. But here’s the twist: the address leads to the local cemetery. If someone tries to follow her, they won’t find her—just the eerie silence of the graveyard. Yeah, hard pass on that invitation, thank you very much!
El Mohan (Bigfoot) from Colombia
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Mohan
"El Mohán" is like Colombia’s version of Bigfoot, but with a twist. Sometimes described as a robust man with golden skin, other times as a hairy giant, El Mohán lives near rivers and is known for luring women with gold. Those who follow him are never seen again. If that’s not creepy enough, he’s also a nightmare for fishermen, stealing bait and scaring away their catches. Next time you’re near a river in Colombia, keep an eye out just in case.
El Chupacabras (The Goatsucker) from Latin America and the Caribbean
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Chupacabras
If you grew up in the 90’s, you probably remember hearing about the “Chupacabras” in mainstream media when reports of dead livestock drained of blood started popping up. This legendary creature, described as a reptilian, bloodsucking beast with red eyes and sharp quills, was allegedly first spotted in Puerto Rico in 1995. Since then, sightings have spread across Latin America, and to this day, people believe the Chupacabras is still out there, lurking in the shadows and preying on animals (and maybe people?).
La Siguanaba (The Siguanaba) from Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of La Siguanaba
"La Siguanaba" is an important part of Central American myths and we can see why. La Siguanaba is said to be a beautiful woman with long hair who lures unfaithful men to their doom. She appears near cliffs or rivers, and she makes men get out of their cars, luring them closer and closer to her. But once they’re close enough, her face transforms into that of a horrific horse with red eyes and wrinkled skin. Then, she pushes them to their deaths or takes their souls. In Guatemala, locals swear they’ve seen her wandering the streets at night, so if you ever find yourself alone on a quiet road in the country, it’s best to keep moving.
El Sombrerón (The Man with the Big Hat) from Guatemala
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Sombrerón
Legends say “El Sombrerón” is a short man dressed in black with boots, a thick belt, and a shiny buckle. He stands out for wearing a disproportionately large hat that covers his entire face. Creepy enough, but it gets worse. Legends say he roams the streets of Antigua, Guatemala, with four mules and a large guitar. The stories say that he lures young, long-haired women by serenading them with his guitar and sweet singing voice. Women who fall for this classic frat boy act, get haunted by el Sombrerón, who keeps them from sleeping and eating as he tightly weaves long braids in their hair. The only way to get rid of this guy is to cut your hair immediately. The audacity...
La Llorona (The Wailing Woman) from Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and more
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of La Llorona
“La Llorona” is one of the most well-known Latin American legends and the story varies a little depending on the country. In Mexico and Colombia, she was an indigenous woman who fell in love with a wealthy, married Spanish conquistador. While in Guatemala, she was a wealthy high-society woman. In Venezuela, her social status isn’t specified, but she’s a scorned woman who got cheated on by her husband. No matter how the stories change, each version has a few elements in common.
Her husband either dies and she loses her wealth and the ability to support her children or he cheats on her and leaves, causing her to lose her mind. Eventually, desperation makes her do the unthinkable: take her children to a river and drown them. When she realizes what she’s done, she spends nights wailing and crying for her children, until she can’t take it anymore and drowns herself. But here’s the kicker: her spirit stays around, still wailing for her kids. In some versions of the legend, she actually appears to married men as a beautiful woman and, if they plan on cheating on their wives, she shows her true appearance as a drowned corpse and haunts them until they lose their minds. Yikes...
There you have it! 10 spooky Latino legends to get into the Halloween mood. Whether you’re hearing about La Llorona for the first time or you grew up terrified of El Cadejo, these stories remind us that the supernatural is always lurking—especially during the spooky season.
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Brazil: September 7, 1822 – "Dia da Independência"
As the Portuguese Royal family sought refuge in Brazil during the Napoleonic Wars, the colony's status grew. When King João VI returned to Portugal in 1821, his son, Dom Pedro I, stayed behind. Amidst growing discontent and pressures for independence, Dom Pedro I declared Brazil an independent empire, making a smoother transition from colony to sovereign nation.
In the grand city of São Paulo, Prince Dom Pedro I shouted the famous "Independência ou Morte!" which means "Independence or Death!" This moment marked Brazil's liberation from Portuguese rule. Every year, Brazilians celebrate with military parades, concerts, and family gatherings. And don’t forget to try the brigadeiros, a delicious chocolate treat that's a staple during the festivities.
Image Credit: Igor Soares on Wikimedia Commons
Mexico: September 16, 1810 – "Grito de Dolores"
No, Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexico’s Independence Day. The roots of Mexican independence began with the desire for social and land reforms. The native and mestizo populations were growing weary of Spanish domination and the privileged Criollo class (those of Spanish descent born in the New World). This culminated in the early hours of September 16th, when the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bell of his church in Dolores, calling the people to revolt against Spanish rule. This uprising marked the beginning of a tumultuous decade-long struggle for Mexican independence.
Arguably one of the most lively and heartfelt of celebrations, Mexico's Grito de Dolores is famous worldwide. At the stroke of midnight on September 15th, the president and thousands of citizens echoed the cry of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest who beckoned his countrymen to rise against Spanish rule. Fireworks, ringing bells, and shouts of "Viva Mexico!" saturate the air. The following day is a national holiday filled with parades, mariachi music, and an array of Mexican delicacies.
Image Credit: Taylor on Wikimedia Commons
Chile: September 18, 1810 – "Fiestas Patrias"
While the exact reasons for Chile's desire for independence from Spain were multi-faceted, they were intensified by Napoleon's invasion of Spain, which threw the Spanish monarchy into disarray. Chile's Criollo leaders saw this as an opportunity. On September 18, 1810, they established a national junta in the name of the deposed king Ferdinand VII, a move that initiated the path towards full independence, which was achieved after years of conflict.
So, while it began on September 18th, Chile's celebration extends into the 19th, making it a two-day jubilee. The Fiestas Patrias, or national parties, include rodeos, dance performances of the Cueca (Chile's national dance), and communal meals featuring empanadas and chicha. The love for the homeland is palpable on these days as Chileans unite in pride and joy.
Image Credit: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile on Flickr
Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua: September 15, 1821
Image Credit: Bruce Thomson on Wikimedia Commons
These independence celebrations aren’t just about freedom from colonial rulers, they also reflect a deeper struggle for identity, rights, and self-determination. Each nation, in its own unique way, battled internal and external challenges to shape its destiny, making September a month of profound reflection and celebration in Latin America. Viva la Independencia!
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