Honor your loved ones with a digital DĂ­a de Muertos altar - Los Angeles Times

DĂ­a de Muertos

Our digital DĂ­a de Muertos altar celebrates your loved ones

Updated

Leer en español

DĂ­a de Muertos is upon us. Though death is central to the holiday, DĂ­a de Muertos is a celebration of life. It's an opportunity to remember loved ones who have died and honor their memory.

The traditional way of celebrating is by making an ofrenda — an altar that often features a photo of the person being remembered, candles, foods and items specific to them, cempasúchiles (marigolds), papel picado and calaveras (sugar skulls).

The holiday is observed in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. It has also gained popularity in Southern California thanks to groups like Self Help Graphics & Arts, which began organizing a public event in the 1970s. Nowadays, you can find DĂ­a de Muertos celebrations across the region.

Most, if not all, of these events were canceled during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an alternative, the Los Angeles Times created a digital altar in 2021. The idea was to build a communal space where readers could still have the experience of celebrating their loved ones in public, albeit online. This year marks the third iteration of this project.

We asked you to submit photos of someone you wanted to honor, along with a memory or anecdote about them. Nearly 2,000 ofrendas were submitted. We encourage you to spend some time with these wonderful memories shared with us.

Powered by

Ofrendas

Hover over the cards to see the messages submitted by their loved ones.

  • Recent
  • A→Z
  • Z→A
  • People
  • Pets
  • All
Photo of Moses Gaskin in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Moses Gaskin

I wasn’t able to spend as much time with my dad , but as a child I do miss when he would take me to the store or out to eat with my brother and let us buy anything we wanted. I miss spending simple quality time with him.

- Brittany Gaskin

Los Angeles

Photo of Jay Vargas in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Jay Vargas

Jay, your birthday was just last week... Happy Scorpio season King. I hope you got to hear me sing Happy Birthday bro. It is an honor to have you as a Big brother, I love you in this lifetime and the next - love your Sis

- Sharon Vargas

Los Angeles

Photo of Sylvia Rodriguez in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Sylvia Rodriguez

Mom I Miss You soo much!! You’ll forever be in my heart and mind-️

- Vannessa Navarro

South Gate

Photo of Reno, Nathan, Stacy, dad, grandpas, Jesus in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Reno, Nathan, Stacy, dad, grandpas, Jesus

I miss and love them with all my hearts

- Kimberly Ordonez

California

Photo of Manuel Pena in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Manuel Pena

Growing up my dad Manuel played baseball, he would take us every Sunday to watch him play. If I could have one more Sunday with him or even just watching him play again I would give anything. Miss and love you dad! Forever in our-

- Michelle Pena

San Juan Capistrano

Photo of Uncle Isaac in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Uncle Isaac

I Love You Uncle Forever And Always My Handsome Angel Your Smile Will Forever Be Remembered…

- Maddie G

Wildomar

Photo of Roberto Ochoa in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Roberto Ochoa

Te extrañamos tanto abuelito ojalá y pudiera darte un abrazo mas que descanses en paz te quiero mucho.

- Nancy Ochoa

South Gate

Photo of Rudy Fuentes in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Rudy Fuentes

A friend, brother, husband and son who went too soon. We’re sad we can’t make new memories with you, but grateful for the ones we have. You’re forever in our hearts.

- Raylene Barraza

Baldwin Park, CA

Photo of Rafael Cazares in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Rafael Cazares

Abuelo siempre vivirás en mi corazón. Gracias por todos sus consejos y cariño que me dabas. Se le extraña mucho. Quisiera darte un gran abrazo y decirte que lo logré, soy enfermera! Lo amo mi viejito hermoso - Su Bisnieta Favorita

- Destiny Cazares

Pomona

Photo of Alfredo cota (Tata Cota) in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Alfredo cota (Tata Cota)

I think of all our memories of all our talks we have ever had I can say I was one blessed growing up having a Tata like you. Nothing gets easier we all miss you so much u an (Jose )today we celebrate the beautiful life you lived

- Corina Cota

Los Angeles

Photo of Rodolfo camacho in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Rodolfo camacho

El mejor abuelo y padre gracias por las memorias yo se que nos cuidas siempre -️

- Yesica Camacho

Aliso viejo

Photo of Maria R. Lopez in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Maria R. Lopez

To my Grandma Cuca, te extrañamos mucho.

- Raylene Barraza

Baldwin Park, CA

Photo of Margie and Camilo in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Margie and Camilo

I have so many beautiful memories. My mother so elegant and kind and my father, the social butterfly, he always a kind word for everyone who crossed his path. They taught us to be curious and empathetic and I am forever grateful

- Laura Demoreno

San Diego

Photo of Larry Carr in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Larry Carr

Daddy I miss you I thank you for serving in the military I will forever miss your hugs -️

- emma carr

San Pedro

Photo of Rosa Maria Patiño in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Rosa Maria Patiño

I wish my mami could have spent her senior years as a retired grandma. She passed a few months before retirement due to covid. She never got to meet my daughter and my son only remembers her because of pictures.Always on our mind

- Maria Patiño Gutierrez

Lynwood

Photo of Jose Chavez in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Jose Chavez

Such a caring,pertective, outgoing funny Man with so much wisdom and great advice Thank you for that pepito Fly high G. You'll truly be missed

- Amairani G

Los Angeles

Photo of Olivia Duran in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Olivia Duran

Remembering you're laughter and positivity we will miss you for ever in our hearts

- emma carr

San Pedro

Photo of Jonathan Lechuga in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Jonathan Lechuga

missing you always

- yaidely o

Palmdale

Photo of Eduardo Bustos (Grandpa Lalo) in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Eduardo Bustos (Grandpa Lalo)

In this picture, grandpa and I were buying lots and lots of yarn because one of his favorite things to do was knit scarves. He was so happy this day, and the cart was full by the end. We miss you so much.

- Jessica Smith

Hawthorne, CA

Photo of Berta Navarro in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Berta Navarro

I miss talking to you everyday. I love you more!

- Raul Navarro

California

Photo of Valentina in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Valentina

This is a photo of my paternal grandma. She passed away when I was young, and although I don’t remember much I always feel her presence. I love you grandma and I hope you’re always looking after me.

- Ashley Gabriel

Montebello, CA

Photo of Benjamin Calvillo in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Benjamin Calvillo

We miss you so much apa! You were such a strong and loving person. You will forever be in our hearts! Until we meet again ?

- Maria Calvillo

Wasco

Photo of Rene Hiram Barrios in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Rene Hiram Barrios

A grandfather that showed his love to his grandchildren in many ways. As one of them, he always told me stories to fall asleep. Stories that I will pass down to my children. He always had time to talk to me and play with me.

- Yoel Bundio

California

Photo of Jose “Woody” Uriel Hernandez in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Jose “Woody” Uriel Hernandez

Compadre/cuñis nos haces muchísima falta. Te quiero y extraño. Siempre vivirás en nuestro corazón y nuestra mente. Jamás te olvidare.

- Carol Hernandez

Bell Gardens

Photo of Rafa in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Rafa

Rafa was my grandmother’s partner for the past 30 plus years. He took on the grandfather role, always there for us when we needed him! We miss him tons!! Siempre en nuestros corazones Rafa!

- Angie M

San Diego

Photo of Giovanni Graciano in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Giovanni Graciano

Te extrañamos cada día más nos haces tanta falta.

- Marisol Graciano

San Bernardino

Photo of Rita Ruiz in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Rita Ruiz

We miss you Mama, may you rest in peace and celebrate in Heaven with Dad and all of our ones. We love you.

- Valerie Navarro

California

Photo of Steven diaz in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Steven diaz

R.I.P. big goof Trash Bag Boyzzzzzzzzzzzzz

- Anonymous C

San Fernando, CA

Photo of Papá Mino in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Papá Mino

lo quiero y extraño mucho

- Elvia Martinez

Long Beach, CA

Photo of Ruben Ramon Perez in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Ruben Ramon Perez

Ruben was the most caring, selfless person he had a way of touching lives, making people feel loved and cared for as if they were his own family. Let us remember the joy and love he brought into our lives. Forever Ruben’s World

- Karina Perez

Moreno Valley, CA

Photo of Samuel and Maria Benitez in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Samuel and Maria Benitez

God truly blessed me with the best loving parents. Love you always and forever My Guardian Angels

- Joanna Benitez

West Covina

Photo of Cristobal ochoa in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Cristobal ochoa

It’s hard to talk about my dad without getting emotional. I’ll never forget all the good moments and all the adventures we had the 3 day fishing days. The laughs and jokes he would tell us I’m never going to forget. Love you dad

- Leticia Ochoa

Downey

Photo of Alberto and Celia Fontes in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Alberto and Celia Fontes

My tata was a WWII paratrooper who went on to be a mechanic. My nana attended the territorial school in Tubac, AZ and went on to raise 11 kids and help with many grandkids, including me. I’m grateful to feel their presence still.

- Jan Contreras

Tucson, AZ

Photo of Michael Anthony Perez in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Michael Anthony Perez

Miss you everyday.

- Lisa Cantero

Pacoima, CA

Photo of Elizabeth Ceceña in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Elizabeth Ceceña

I love you more than anything tia, I’ll miss you for the rest of my life.

- Elina Ceceña

Apple Valley, CA

Photo of Ronnie Soto in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Ronnie Soto

Forever in our hearts “Rexx” we love you

- Angelica Guerrero

Bakersfield

Photo of Rudy Salas Jr in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Rudy Salas Jr

My Rudy, a man with a heart of gold. Tremendously talented. Brilliant, songwriter, singer, and performer. I will forever adore you. I love and miss you. Promises made promises I will keep.

- Joanna Salas

Montebello

Photo of Manuel Alberto Soto jr. in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Manuel Alberto Soto jr.

My most favorite human. Vanellope and I miss you every day and all day. Always my love

- Jackie Castaneda

Long Beach

Photo of Rodolfo gil in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Rodolfo gil

R.I.P. big daddy We miss you and love you.

- Lisa Cantero

Pacoima, CA

Photo of Domitila Guzman in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Domitila Guzman

Nina we love and miss you so much life hasn’t been the same since you’ve been gone I love you so much and send you lots of hugs we all love you sooo much -️

- Rachel Pimentel

Los Angeles

Photo of Filimon V GarcĂ­a in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Filimon V GarcĂ­a

I will always remember and treasure your memory. You are the best father. I miss you and love you so much, apá.

- Alejandra garcia

Delano, CA

Photo of Damian Ramirez in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Damian Ramirez

Damian we love and miss you so much there is not a day that goes by that we aren’t thinking of you thank you for all the wonderful laughs and love you have to us all may your soul rest in eternal piece we miss you so much xoxo

- Amor Eterno

Hacienda Heights

Photo of Steven Salas in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Steven Salas

Love & miss you Bels ! Hope you know how loved & missed you are

- Queen Liah

Carson

Photo of Joey Trejo in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Joey Trejo

Not a single day goes by that we don't miss you little brother. You'll forever live in our hearts.

- Elizabeth Trejo

Whittier

Photo of Jessica Garcia in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Jessica Garcia

I love you sister,I promise to take care of Wesley, I will forever to take your fresh flowers! I love you sister-️-️

- Gisela Garcia

Wilmington

Photo of Dennis Delzangle in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Dennis Delzangle

Grandpap was this handsome, loving, clever, and most importantly magical man. He had a magical explanation for everything. Grandpap loved to spend time with us. Love you Grandpap. Miss you. -

- Marina rodriguez

Upland

Photo of Michael James Wood in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Michael James Wood

My dad. All he wanted was to rest. His rest icon was Jimmy Buffett. His friends called him "Mr. Ann Landers" because he gave good advice and was very smart. When I see him now he is in Key West on the beach, finally relaxing.

- Marina rodriguez

Upland

Photo of Leobardo Mendoza in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Leobardo Mendoza

We miss & love you so much grandpa

- Jacqueline Garcia

Long Beach

Photo of Norma Moreno in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Norma Moreno

She was an amazing mother , daughter , sister, friend, aunt to everyone she knew she was born on Day of the Dead 1958 and passed away on Friday the 13th October 2023 She loved holidays especially Halloween and Dia De los Muertos

- Linda Sabbagh

Rosemead

Photo of Adam and Marie Gracie in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Adam and Marie Gracie

Together forever in love now in Heaven

- Valerie Navarro

California

Photo of Gabriela Tello in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Gabriela Tello

Mexico was so much funner when you received us. We love you.

- Celia Hart

San Juan Capistrano

Photo of Aunt Kat in an illustrated frame of blue and green papel picado, with a monarch butterfly, marigold flowers and candles.

Aunt Kat

Aunt Kathy, Everyone called you Kat. You were all the love and light. Mike misses you dearly and honors your memory every day. Your family, friends, and loved ones will always remember you. We send you off with love.

- Gabrielle Garcia

Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles

Photo of George in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

George

Forever in our hearts! Please protect your dad at all times!

- Natalie Aquino

Los Angeles

Photo of Teresa Pasillas in an illustrated frame of purple papel picado, with monarch butterfly wings.

Teresa Pasillas

"If tears could build a stairway,and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again."

- Norma Cortes

Long Beach, CA

More coverage

An illustration of a sugar skull, marigolds and candles.

52 ways to celebrate DĂ­a de Muertos in L.A. and O.C.

A young flower market worker unloading a fresh cempasĂşchil truckload.

These L.A. flower vendors prep for weeks so we can have cempasĂşchils on our ofrendas

Photo illustration of a sugar skull, alebrije and catrina.

Column: How a James Bond film made DĂ­a de Muertos absurd, in a fun way