Today, October 27, marks the beginning of the Día de los Muertos season with a beautiful modern addition to the tradition: honoring our beloved animal companions. While not part of the ancient celebration, many families now include their departed pets on this, the “Día de los Angelitos Peludos” (Day of the Furry Angels). Of course, if you have feathery pets, reptiles, etc that you want to honor- that’s Ok too! This tradition is new as of only in the last decade, but we can join the collective energy! I will be honoring all my dogs and cats who are on the other side today with flowers and their favorite treats!
You can place photos of them on your altar, their favorite toys, collars, and treats. The love between humans and animals transcends death, and today we celebrate that eternal bond.
By the way, this is not “a closed tradition” – you too can honor and remember your beloved ones who have passed. It is a beautiful energy to join in with the collective, and magical moments you will experience when you tap in and connect in this way with your ancestors!
Here are some helpful tips:
October 28-31 are Preparation Days
These days are dedicated to preparing for the main celebration. Families begin cleaning and decorating graves, gathering supplies for altars, and making traditional foods. Markets burst with marigolds (cempasúchil), colorful paper decorations, and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) The air fills with the sweet scent of copal incense as communities prepare to welcome their departed loved ones.
November 1 – Día de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels)
Today we honor children who left this world too soon. According to tradition, the gates of heaven open at midnight, allowing the spirits of angelitos (little angels) to reunite with their families for 24 hours. Parents place toys, candies, and small shoes on altars, alongside photos of their little ones. This is bittersweet, there is great sadness for lives cut short, but joy in remembering their laughter and love.
The offerings for angelitos are colorful and sweet, reflecting the brightness these young souls brought to our lives.
November 2 – Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
The main celebration honors adult spirits who return to visit their living relatives. Families gather in cemeteries, sharing stories, music, and favorite foods of their beloved departed ones. Altars reach their full splendor, with candles, lamparillas, photographs, personal items, food and more.
This is not a day of mourning but of joyful reunion. The veil is thin between the world of the living and the dead, allowing us to share meals, memories, and moments with those we’ve lost.
This is a beautiful ritual and celebration, remember, there is no “wrong” way to create an ofrenda. The most important element is the love and remembrance you put into it. Whether simple or elaborate, your altar is a bridge between worlds, built with devotion and memory of your beloved deceased!