A celebration of life
Every year on 1 and 2 November, Mexico fills with flowers, music and candlelight. It’s Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Not a sombre occasion, but a celebration of life. Families honour loved ones who have passed with food, flowers, stories and laughter.
At Kitsch Kitchen, the love for colourful Mexican craftsmanship is deeply rooted in our DNA. That’s why we love sharing this tradition with you. From hand-painted skulls to bright papel picado, Día de los Muertos decorations show that beauty and memory belong together.
What is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos has Aztec roots and Catholic influences, blending indigenous rituals with All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day. Tradition holds that on 1 November the souls of children return to earth, followed by the spirits of adults on 2 November.
Families build an altar (ofrenda) at home, decorate graves and share the favourite dishes of those they remember: from pan de muerto (sweet bread) to tamales and tequila.
Is there a link with Halloween?
Both take place around the same time, but their meaning differs. Halloween stems from the Celtic festival of Samhain and plays with ghosts and shadows. Día de los Muertos is about light, colour and memory. You could call it a distant cousin, just far more colourful.
The traditions
- Marigolds (cempasúchil): the flower of the dead. Their golden colour is said to guide spirits home.
- Calaveras and Catrinas: sugar skulls and elegant skeletons remind us to smile at death and enjoy life.
- Altars (ofrendas): decorated with candles, food, photos and objects that tell the story of a loved one.
- Music and food: mariachi, dancing and shared meals turn remembrance into celebration.
Create your own altar at home
The altar is the heart of Día de los Muertos. You don’t need much space: a shelf, a windowsill or a corner of a cabinet will do. Here’s how to build it:
- 1. Start with a base. Choose one of our mini altars or other colourful altars as the centrepiece, or dress a shelf with a colourful cloth.
- 2. Put your loved ones in the spotlight. A photo is the most important part of an ofrenda. Our photo frames from the Lotería collection, with the Milagro heart or from the Kitsch Royale collection give every memory a cheerful place of its own.
- 3. Add symbolism. Tin hearts are a classic piece of Mexican folk art. Hang them up or place them between the photos as a sign of love.
- 4. Finish with colour and light. Marigolds (real or artificial), candles and candleholders, papel picado, tea towels in frames and a treat your loved one enjoyed.
More inspiration for your Día de los Muertos decorations
- Be bold with colour: pink, turquoise, orange and yellow bring out the best in each other.
- Layer textures: papel picado, embroidered fabrics and folk-art motifs.
- Add joyful kitsch: plastic flowers, pom-poms and bunting bring the true Kitsch Kitchen spirit.
- Keep it up: many of these pieces add colour to your home long after November.
Celebrate life
This year, celebrate life the Mexican way: with colour, handcrafted decorations and memories that matter. Take a moment to remember the ones you miss, and to celebrate what they gave you.
Would you like to create an altar or a place of remembrance at home with real Mexican pieces? Shop the collection here.
Inspiration from our collection
With love,
Evelijn, Lotte & the Kitsch Kitchen team