5 Ways to Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Home
Honoring Life, Love, and Memory with Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home in Elizabeth, New Jersey
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a beloved Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. It’s not a time of sadness, but of joy — filled with color, music, food, and family.
At Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home in Elizabeth, NJ, we understand that remembrance is an essential part of healing. Whether you’ve celebrated this tradition for years or are introducing it to your family for the first time, here are five meaningful ways to honor Día de los Muertos from home.
1. Create a Personalized Ofrenda (Home Altar)
The ofrenda, or home altar, is the heart of Día de los Muertos. It welcomes and honors the spirits of your loved ones who have passed. To create your own at home:
- Choose a quiet space, such as a tabletop or shelf.
- Display photos of your loved ones.
- Decorate with marigolds (cempasúchil), candles, and papel picado (colorful cut paper).
- Add favorite foods, drinks, and cherished personal items.
Each detail is a way of saying, “We remember you, and we love you.”
2. Share Family Stories and Memories
Día de los Muertos is as much about storytelling as it is about ceremony. Gather with family members to share stories of those who have passed — how they lived, what they loved, and what they taught you.
This tradition keeps their spirit alive and helps children understand the value of remembrance and heritage.
3. Cook Traditional Foods Together
Food is one of the most heartfelt ways to celebrate life. Prepare and share traditional Día de los Muertos recipes such as:
- Pan de Muerto – a sweet, symbolic bread honoring the departed
- Tamales – a classic dish that brings family together
- Atole or Mexican hot chocolate – warm, comforting drinks for reflection
Cooking these dishes connects generations and turns remembrance into a shared act of love.
4. Get Creative with Art and Crafts
Día de los Muertos is full of color, creativity, and joy. Celebrate life with fun, family-friendly crafts like:
- Sugar skulls (calaveras)
- Papel picado banners
- Painted skull masks or marigold garlands
These creative traditions remind us that even in remembrance, there is beauty and light.
5. Take Time for Reflection and Gratitude
Amid the joy and color of the celebration, set aside a quiet moment to reflect. Light a candle, say a prayer, or simply take a few minutes to express gratitude for those you’ve lost.
These moments of stillness remind us that love never truly ends — it lives on in our hearts and in the traditions we share.
Celebrate Life and Legacy with Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home
At Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home in Elizabeth, New Jersey, we are dedicated to helping families honor and remember their loved ones with compassion, dignity, and respect.
This Día de los Muertos, may your home be filled with love, color, and beautiful memories that bring peace to your heart.
Las Rosas Bannworth Funeral Home
Honoring life, preserving tradition, and celebrating love in Elizabeth, NJ.














