On October 27 pets come back for Day of the Dead: How to make an ofrenda at home

While Día de Muertos is primarily a time to remember departed family members, pets also hold a special place in many households. October 27 is now recognized as the day to honor the memory of deceased pets with an ofrenda, integrating beloved animals into the holiday’s extensive rituals.

Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead, a vibrant Mexican celebration, honors the spirits of deceased loved ones each year between October 27 and November 2. However, this festival is not only for human souls. In recent years, a tradition dedicated to pets has gained popularity, adding another layer of inclusivity to this heartfelt celebration.

Celebrating Día de Muertos: Traditions for Humans and Pets Alike

The roots of Día de Muertos stretch back thousands of years to the Mesoamerican cultures of the Aztecs and Mayans, where it was believed that souls could return to visit their families. Today, this tradition blends indigenous customs with Catholic influences. It has expanded in many communities to also recognize the pets who have passed away. On October 27, people create ofrendas (altars) for their pets, much like those for human souls. These altars often feature photos, favorite toys, and treats like biscuits or even a bowl of water, symbolizing comfort for their journey back to the living world​. 

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Pet‘s ofrendas on October 27

Just like the altars for humans, pet altars include candles to guide their spirits, and marigold flowers, known as cempasúchil, to represent the fragility of life. Water, food, and toys that your pets enjoyed are placed on the altar, creating a personal connection to the animal companions who have passed. This ritual offers comfort and keeps their memory alive​. 

@shelllf thanks to tiktok i learned that today (10/27) is the day deceased pets return home to their families for dia de los muertos. this is for my baby, Sam 🤍 #diadelosmuertos #ofrenda #octubre27 #ofrendadelasmascotas #soulcat #diademuertosdemascotas #ofrendaparamascotas #dayofthedead #latinacreator #latinacreators ♬ original sound – shelllf

Create a Pet’s Ofrenda for October 27: Step-by-Step Guide for Día de Muertos

Yes, you can participate in this tradition even if you are not mexican. Mexico is a country that loves sharing its culture and traditions, so, as long as you do it with love and respect, you can put your own ofrenda. 

In places like San Antonio, Texas, communities have embraced this pet-centric tradition. Annual events now feature public altars for pets, alongside parades and celebrations honoring both human and animal spirits. These events highlight the growing importance of animals as part of Día de Muertos​. 

These are the steps to create one. You put in on the night of October 26 and light the candles to guide your furry firends.  

Step 1: Set the Foundation

Start by choosing a table or flat surface to build your altar. Cover it with a colorful cloth or papel picado (decorative paper). Arrange different levels using boxes to create a tiered structure, symbolizing the bridge between the living and the dead​.

Step 2: Gather Essential Items

Include a photo of your pet as the centerpiece. Place candles around the altar to light their way back. Use traditional marigold flowers (cempasúchil), which symbolize life and death, to decorate the ofrenda. Add a glass of water to quench their thirst after their spiritual journey​.

@kinshippets The celebration begins on Oct. 27, when our beloved pets that have passed on return to visit us for 24 hours. Include things like photos of your pet, their favorite toy, maybe their leash or collar, and their favorite treats and food. Have it up for the end of October through early November. #ofrendasdeldiademuertos #diademuertos #petofrenda #dayofthedead #petparents #diademuertosperritos ♬ sonido original – animadas

Step 3: Add Personal Touches

Incorporate your pet’s favorite treats and toys. If they had a favorite food, like specific snacks or kibble, place it on the altar. These items personalize the ofrenda and show the affection you had for them. For dogs, you might include a collar or leash as a meaningful item​.

Other Traditions for Día de Muertos

As the celebration continues, traditional ofrendas are set up on November 1 to honor children (Día de los Angelitos) and on November 2 for adults. These altars are adorned with colorful papel picado (decorative paper), sugar skulls, candles, and photographs. Each item carries symbolic meaning, from the salt for purification to the food and drinks that loved ones enjoyed during their lifetime​. 

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Día de Muertos has evolved to include all loved ones, whether human or animal. This expansion of the tradition reflects the deep bonds we share with our pets, offering a beautiful way to remember them each year. Whether you’re honoring a family member or a four-legged friend, Día de Muertos is a time to cherish the connections that continue even after death​.

@rfzz6 Esperando que sea 27 de octubre para ponerte tu ofrenda y recibirte con mucho amor, rey 🥹 #foryou #fyp #coco #perritos #27deoctubre #diademuertos #ofrenda #mascotas #viral #parati #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #contenido #amor #perros #husky #ofrendaperritos ♬ sonido original – Valeria &lt3

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March Violante Martha Elena Violante (March Violante) es editora en jefe y cofundadora de Emprendedor.com y tiene más de 10 años de carrera en periodismo digital. Ha entrevistado a figuras de la talla de Randi Zuckerberg, Daniele Lamarre, Zoe Saldana, entre otros. Ha trabajado en medios como Entrepreneur en Español e Inglés, Alto Nivel, Cine PREMIERE, México Desconocido, entre otros. "Somos emprendedor.com"