A Tradition That Brings Comfort, Connection, and Light
By Frieda Lopez
The first time I built an ofrenda with my family was a few years ago when I was 14 years old. It all started when my parents and I were watching the movie Coco, and my dad began to talk about his memories of Día de Muertos and how they used to make an altar at his house in Mexico.
That moment sparked something in him. He turned to ask my mom why we didn’t continue the tradition of making an altar, and he expressed his desire to bring it back to honor his father and my mom’s father.
Reconnecting Through Remembrance
That year, we created our first family altar. It was a beautiful experience to come together and build something meaningful to honor the family members who have passed, even those I never had the chance to meet.
While we placed candles and their framed photos, my parents told me stories about their fathers. I listened as they laughed and cried, memories coming to life through old photos and favorite dishes. I could see how much that moment helped them while they placed photos, candles, and their favorite foods.
I remember when my mom placed a picture of her dad on the altar. She smiled and let out a laugh as she told us how much he loved drinking black coffee in the mornings, no milk, always strong. It was these little details that brought them closer again, even if just for a moment.
Honoring My Own Loss
That same year, I added a photo of my dog, who had passed away just two months before. I was heartbroken. But creating that small space for him, surrounded by light and love, offered comfort. It felt like he could visit me one more time.
A Tradition That Lives On
Years later, when I turned 18, we began including a photo of my dad in our altar. Now, we remember him too, with his favorite snacks, drinks, and all the things that made him smile.
I’m grateful he encouraged us to start this tradition 4 years ago. It’s made grieving him just a little bit easier, and somehow, it brings light to moments that can feel emotionally overwhelming. Each year, this tradition gives me something to look forward to. Even though he's no longer physically here, I still get to share something with him, and that means everything
Want to share your own “Mi Primer Altar” story?
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Frieda Lopez is from Orange County, California, and received a B.A. Communications from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
