​​Unique Day of the Dead Decorations for Your Altar

Build a meaningful altar with unique Day of the Dead decorations that are handmade, with love. From colorful calaveras to vibrant marigolds – this beautiful Día de los Muertos decor will bring the spirit of the Mexican holiday to life.

The altar, or ofrenda, is the heart of this beautiful celebration. It’s a temporary, sacred space built to welcome loved ones back home. The elaborate Dia de los Muertos decor on an altar offer a specific and profound meaning.

Day of the Dead is a vibrant Mexican holiday celebrated every year from October 31st to November 2nd. This celebration honors the deceased and pays tribute to their memory. It’s a beautiful marriage of culture and tradition that I first celebrated in 2010 with family, food, symbolic flowers, and by building a home altar with unique Day of the Dead decorations.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DECOR FOR YOUR ALTAR

One of the most captivating aspects of Day of the Dead is the decor that transform homes and public spaces into vibrant celebrations of life and death. Below are a few ideas that you can begin to incorporate into your own home and festivities.

Ofrendas are the heart and focal point of Day of the Dead celebrations. They can be simple or elaborate, and most feature photos and offerings of food, flowers, candles, and mementos of the deceased, which can include handmade items and vintage treasures.

CALAVERAS DE AZUCAR (SUGAR SKULLS)

Sugar skulls, or “calaveras de azúcar,” are iconic Dia de los Muertos decorations that represent the deceased. They are made in various sizes and are often adorned with colorful icing.

• Make them yourself with this recipe by Flan and Apple Pie
• Or purchase a custom sugar skull decorating kit from Latina-Owned Sugar Skull Company

My kids love making calaveras de azúcar! You can add them to an altar or use them as party favors or decorations for a Dia de los Muertos celebration (check out my Day of the Dead Pinterest board for party inspiration).

These kits include everything you need to make sugar skulls at home!

MARIGOLDS FOR DAY OF THE DEAD

Marigolds, or “cempasúchil,” are the traditional flowers of the dead. Their vibrant bright color and scent guide the spirits of the deceased back to the living during this celebration.

• Handmade Marigold and Palm Garland for Day of the Dead by Lola’s Mercadito
• How To Make Tissue Paper Marigolds by Crafty Chica

Hang a marigold garland from the ceiling, or drape it around a picture frame, mirror, chair, mantle, or Day of the Dead altar to set a festive tone.

SKELETONS AND LA CATRINA

Calaveras and La Catrina figurines are symbolic of the deceased. They are different from Halloween skeletons in that they have friendly (not scary) faces. Incorporate calacas into your altar or add a unique touch to your home with handmade Day of the Dead decorations such as napkin rings or salsa spoons.

• Miniature Calavera Figurines available at Lola’s Mercadito
• Señora Catrina Napkin Rings available at Lola’s Mercadito
• Handmade Calavera Spoons available at Lola’s Mercadito

These adorable calavera figurines come in various styles, from teachers and nurses, to bakers, golfers, and priests!

DAY OF THE DEAD DOG

Small figurines of dogs are often included on altars because they are believed to guide the ancestral spirits to their final resting place in the afterlife. Each year I add a new little dog to my altar. I figure that each person on there needs a guide, right? 

• Handmade Day of the Dead Dogs and Cats available at Lola’s Mercadito

HUMMINGBIRDS

Hummingbirds are believed to be the messengers of the deceased who come back to visit from time to time.

• Handpainted Alebrije Hummingbirds available at Lola’s Mercadito

All hummingbirds are hand carved and hand painted with the vibrant colors and designs for which the artisans of San Martin Tilcajete in Oaxaca, Mexico are known. 

CANDLES

Candles help light the way toward the land of the living and represent the element of fire. Be sure to illuminate the way for your loved ones on Dia de los Muertos.

• Handmade Calavera Candle pictured above available at Velas San Pascual in Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca
• Day of the Dead Candles available from Mexico in My Pocket

PAN DE MUERTO

Pan de muerto (bread of the dead) is a semi-sweet bread baked in the shape of bones and left as a gift for the spirits.

• Pan de Muerto Recipe by Flan and Apple Pie
• Pumpkin Spice Pan de Muerto Recipe by Hola Jalapeño
• Learn to Make Pan de Muerto with Eliceo Lara
• Mini Clay Pan de Muerto available at Lola’s Mercadito

MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR

Be sure to involve kids in the festivities by letting them help build an altar, reading books about Day of the Dead together, or gathering a few supplies to for a fun Día de Muertos-themed craft night where you can make tissue paper flowers, garlands, and papel picado as a family. These projects should serve as opportunities for you to teach children about the significance of the holiday.

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES

When shopping for Day of the Dead decorations, consider supporting small businesses and artisans who create unique and made-to-order items.

• Lola’s Mercadito
• Sugar Skull Company
• Mexico in My Pocket
• El Nahual

LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRAITON?

• 100+ Best Day of the Dead Food and Drink Recipes
• BEST Bilingual Day of the Dead Books for Kids
• How to Make an Árbol de la Vida for Day of the Dead
• Celebrate Life with Authentic Dia de Muertos Food!
• BEST Day of the Dead Crafts for Kids and Adults
• 3 Day of the Dead Altars to Die For
• 3 Foods Associated with Day of the Dead
• Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life!
• Day of the Dead Altar: Honoring Departed Loved Ones
• Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Decorating Party
• How to Make a Día de los Muertos Altar
• How to Make Calaveras de Azucar
• How to Throw a Día de los Muertos Fiesta

Originally published on October 17, 2023 and updated on October 1, 2025.

Lola’s Cocina is a small business that earns various revenue streams. This includes sponsored posts and affiliate commissions from linked products, which I use and love, with no extra cost to readers. This income helps sustain the site.