There were two types of offerings

In the pre-Hispanic era, the alter dedicated to death went under the name of Tzompantli, this day was dedicated to the Godess Coaticlue (Mother of the Gods), the one which does everything and undoes everything.

During those times the alter was built in the form of a pyramid which was covered with dyed paper of different colours.

With the arrival of the Spanish and Christianity several of these customs were changed and underwent a mixing process.  In some of the three-tiered alters the original concept changed, taking on the symbolism of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Photographs of the dead are placed on the alters, along with personal objects and the favourite food and drink of the person in question when he/she was alive.

The candles placed on the alter signified the Seven Cardinal Sins and these candles were placed there to guide the soul of the dead person to its destination; the flower 'cempazúchitl' with its vavaciuos yellow tones, is the traditional flower of the dead and denotes the strength of the light of the sun as well as serving as a guide to the spirits.

The first of November is denominated the "Day of the Little Angels." November 2nd is dedicated to the adult dead, then, on the 3rd, the family members eat the food from the altar, pray, and then dismantle the offering from the altar.