Altars

Please complete and return the altar application to reserve your space.

Theme

Pick a theme important to you. It may be “personal”, such as a lost loved one(s), which follows the Latin American tradition most closely. You may pick a hero(s)/heroine(s). You may also choose to have your theme honor victims of a historic or current event, such as an issue of social justice or COVID. Try to personalize it with authentic photographs, etc. Viewers can identify with real people better than with an abstract cause.

Objects to Include

Marigold flowers, photos (preferably framed), Day of the Dead bread (available at local Mexican stores), food (think colorful Fall fruits and vegetables), water, unlit candles, tablecloth, Day of the Dead decorations, artwork, smiling skulls, anything the deceased may need or like in the afterlife, objects that the deceased loved or used in the real world, a small sign with the altar’s dedication.

Objects NOT to include

Candy, literature or other hand-outs. Keep in mind that viewers, especially children, are discouraged from touching any objects on the altars. Halloween objects are not appropriate. Note that Day of the Dead skulls are not scary; they are colorful and smiling. Please do not include anything irreplaceable, as we cannot guarantee its safety.

Set-up

In Businesses and Home

For those who choose to have their altar displayed in various San Rafael businesses, you will be paired with a participating business and provided their contact information. If you will be preparing an altar in your own business, please let us know so that we can include you on our list for the public to see. If you create an altar in your home, please let us know and send us photos so we can share on our social media pages. Ideally, you will have all of the supplies you need, including a small table. No tacks or pins are allowed. Altars will be available for public viewing so please do not include something valuable. Please be respectful of the altar hosts (businesses) and do not bring anything too messy or that needs maintenance.

Set-Up Date

Saturday, October 1, 2026 – Saturday, November 7, 2026. Altars are permitted to be on display for a shorter amount of time with preapproval. Downtown altars must be on display at least by Saturday, October 21st during the Día de los Muertos Downtown Car Procession. Please bring your own supplies, (no tacks or pins are allowed).

At Event

You may construct your altar on a table (we have a limited number of card tables and 6-foot tables available on a first-come, first serve basis). Or, we encourage you to be creative and construct your altar out of boxes, wood, bamboo, furniture, or other media. Think of a gravesite or family home. Layering with different levels, such as with boxes, and colorful fabrics, is very effective. You will have all adjoining wall and floor space which you should include in your design. “Blue tape” is the only way permitted to attach items to the wall. Please bring your own blue tape.

Set-Up

Saturday, November 7th, 2026 from 9:00AM through 2:00PM. All altars must be completed by 2PM! Please bring your own supplies, (no tacks or pins allowed). Altars will remain up for the community event only. Altars are to be deconstructed the following Monday, November 9th between 9:00AM and 6:00PM. Altars may not be taken down the evening of the event. Remember that the altars will be available for public viewing so please do not include something valuable.