Latino families tend to be large and our roots run deep. Día de los Muertos (November 1-2) is a precious time to honor those roots and celebrate loved ones who have passed. It’s also a great opportunity to teach young children about the generations that have come before them. Interested in hosting a celebration of your own? Here are 4 ways to have a successful Día de los Muertos.

1. Build Your Own Ofrenda

Image Source: @dayofthedeadfestivalnorthpark

The ofrenda is an offering to the deceased, made in the form of an altar and decorated with gifts that represent the four elements: water, wind, earth, and fire. There is no right or wrong way to make an ofrenda. Many people will put out small containers of water, food, candles, and decorative paper-cut designs, to represent wind. Flowers, incense, and photographs of the deceased are also added. Many people also include the deceased’s favorite treats and small belongings, such as jewelry, trinkets, and such. Learn how to make a fabulous ofrenda from the gals over at Live Colorful.

2. Make Sugar Skulls

Food is a big part of Día de los Muertos. The deceased’s favorite foods are prepared as on offering, and although it varies from home to home, pastries are always included. Pan del muerto, bread of the dead, and calaveras de azúcar, sugar skulls, are among the most popular.

3. Face Painting

People dress up as La Catrina, Santa Muerte, and other cultural icons associated with death. The catrina skull has become one of the most iconic figures to represent death in Mexican culture. Many people paint the catrina on their faces and dress up in colorful costumes as a way to welcome the dead.

4. Family & Friends

Since Día de los Muertos is all about celebrating loved ones that have passed, gathering together with family and friends is the main ingredient to a successful celebration. Passing on stories of the deceased, looking through pictures, and learning about family history is what makes this time of year so important.