In the Mexican culture, the tradition of Día de Muertos, also called Day of the Dead, is a beautiful celebration of life, in which the dead are remembered and honored. Traditions vary between families and different regions of Mexico, but the altar, or ofrenda, is the centerpiece of this holiday. They act as a beacon and guide our passed loved ones back to us. The strong scents of the marigolds and incense, flames from the candles, and the vividly colored decorations all help to guide these souls back home. Here are some tips to help you set up your altar: 1. Set up a table with different levels The levels represent the underworld, Earth, and heaven. Use crates, books, or cardboard boxes turned upside down, to create levels on the table. The ground is the bottom level, the table is another level, and any boxes are more levels. You can use multiple boxes/crates to set up additional levels, if you'd like. Cover the table with tablecloths or colorful fabric. Use purple to symbolize mourning and white to represent purity. Hang papel picado, which symbolizes the wind, above your ofrenda, or across the table. When your papel picado begins to flutter, your loved ones have arrived. 2. Place any