ALTARS
Altar Basics:
The altars, full of “ofrendas” (offerings), are the focal point to observe the Día de los Muertos. In Mexico altars are assembled at home and/or at the gravesides. Entire families construct altars as an annual commitment. Usually the altar consists of four levels and four sides, representing the four stages of life, the four points of the earth, the four seasons, and the four cardinal points upon the world exists and the pyramids were built.
The four principal seeds used by the Aztecs were tomatillo (green tomato), cacao, chile, and corn; the four elements of life: water (water or conch shells), fire (candles), earth (seeds), and wind (flute and conch shells). The four stages of life are also represented in the four states of corn: fresh corn, the seed or dry corn, cooked corn and liquid corn that is used in different foods... fresh corn… tortillas ...tamales ...atole.
Altars at the festival: The majority of altars (ofrendas) are done in the Car Show Area of the festival.
Altar Registration:
Thank you for registering to build an altar for the Dia de los Muertos celebration in Downtown Oceanside.
We are excited that this event has grown in size!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Altar builders will need to provide their own canopy, tables and equipment for altars.
Space for Altar builders is designated to a 10x10 space unless you contact the Event Manager about a larger area.
COST: $20 cash to be paid when you arrive for your space location and to purchase flowers. $10/bucket for flowers.
FLOWERS:
All flowers from Mellano Company assist with the cost for the next year's festival in Oceanside. Altar Builders will be provided a discount rate of $10/bucket prior to 9am the day of the festival.
RULES AND KEY ITEMS CONCERNING ALTAR AREAS:
1) Please remember that any valuable items or food should not be left overnight.
2) NO selling of items at altar area, including flowers.
3) Altar builders are responsible for all of their trash disposal, setup and take down at the end of event. All trash will be required to be taken to a dumpster or home with them.
4) Dia de los Muertos is a “Family Event”, as such any profanity and or lyrics regarding illegal drugs or their usage is strictly prohibited. There is NO SMOKING within 50 ft. of staging area.
DEADLINE: October 22, 2025 to submit application.