October 27th is Dia de los Muertos for Pets and Here’s How to Set Up Their Ofrenda
Did you know that there’s also a special day to celebrate the Day of the Dead for pets and set up an altar for them?
The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is one of the most iconic traditions in Mexico, and of course, our beloved pets who are no longer with us can’t be left out of the festivities.
For centuries, Mexicans have celebrated and honored their deceased loved ones on November 1 and 2 every year by creating altars adorned with marigold flowers (cempasúchil), candles, food, photos, and other mementos of those who have passed away.
In recent years, these special dates have evolved to include those who also filled our lives with love and joy: our cherished pets.
While it was once common to include them in our altars for human family members, more and more people are choosing to honor them with their own special day.
Here, we’ll tell you the best day to honor your dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, fish, and other pets. Plus, we’ll give you some ideas for creating their altar.
Is it ok to celebrate Dia de Murtos for pets if I’m not Mexican?
As a Mexican, I can tall you – yes, it’s totally okay!
Even though Dia de Muertos is a Mexican tradition, anyone can celebrate it – we don’t mind!
I don’t consider it cultural appropriation and as a pet owner, I know how special they are for us humans all over the world and I love to see more and more people loving our culture 🙂
When is the Day of the Dead for Pets in Mexico?
The Day of the Dead for pets is generally observed on October 27 in Mexico.
This date has been informally adopted by many people as the day dedicated to honoring deceased pets.
Although October 27 is not part of the traditional Day of the Dead calendar— which marks November 1 and 2 as the dates to honor and await the brief return of the souls of departed humans— more and more people are adopting the custom of creating altars and paying tribute to pets that were part of their lives on this day.
The inclusion of a Day of the Dead for animals in the annual celebrations has gained popularity, with many families setting up altars dedicated to dogs, cats, birds, fish, and other pets that have accompanied them on their journey.
This practice, in addition to being a display of love, also reflects how the bond between humans and their pets has taken on a special place in contemporary Mexican culture.
How to Celebrate the Day of the Dead for Pets
The most traditional yet modern way to observe the Day of the Dead for pets in Mexico is by setting up an altar for them.
It goes without saying that the most important thing when honoring our furry or other animal friends is to remember them with love, as we likely already do, even though they are no longer physically with us.
However, an altar in their honor is a tangible way to express our love, which undoubtedly transcends dimensions, and invites them to visit their old home, even if just for one night of the year.
How to Set Up a Dia de los Muertos Altar for Your Pet
If you’ve decided to make an altar for your pet, here are some tips on what to include to make it as lovely and traditional as possible.
Elements for a Pet’s Day of the Dead Altar
The most important element of the altar for your dog, cat, or any other pet is their photo. This serves as a symbol of their presence and belonging in the altar and will be the central element. If you don’t have a photo on hand, you can use a portrait or drawing instead.
“Papel picado” (traditional perforated color paper) will add color and make the altar more picturesque and cheerful, just like in altars for humans.
Candles represent the light that will guide your pet back home.
Flowers are also important for the altar, preferably marigolds (cempasúchil), though you can use other types if you wish. Flowers represent the life that blooms after death, and they can also be used to create a path from the entrance of the house to the altar to guide them.
Place a container with water on the altar so your pet or pets won’t be thirsty during their visit.
Leave some food for them so they can enjoy their time without going hungry. You can either offer some of their regular food or treat them to things they always wanted but couldn’t have too often (or maybe you did give them a few times!). Everything is welcome, from dog food and chicken to pizza, cookies, and candy. The idea is for them to enjoy themselves. You can also leave their favorite treats.
If you still have some of their toys that made them happy in life, place them on the altar to ensure they have a fun visit.
Similarly, if you have any accessories like a leash, collar, scratcher, or brush, it would be nice to include them on the altar to show your pet that they’re still part of the home.
The pan de muerto (sweet bread prepared seasonally for of the dead in Mexico), traditionally offered for humans, symbolizes nourishment for the souls of the departed. Pets, like dogs, cats, and other animals, are no exception.
You can also add incense or copal (resin) to cleanse both your pet’s altar and your home of any bad spirits.
Additional Tips for Your Pet’s Altar
Keep in mind that if you decide to set up an altar for the Day of the Dead for pets, you’re free to do it however you like.
You can include all the suggested elements or just the ones that feel right for you. The altar is from you to your pet, so it should be according to your preferences.
While October 27 has been established recently as the Day of the Dead for pets, you can start setting up the altar a few days before.
The important thing is to have it ready by the afternoon of the 27th, when you can expect your pets to visit.
Conclusion: Day of the Dead for Pets in Mexico
Thus, the Day of the Dead for pets has become an opportunity to honor those furry friends who, although no longer physically present, still hold a significant place in our hearts.
This day reminds us that the love we share with our pets transcends death and that there will always be a special moment to remember them.
