It is believed that both the adults'and the childrens' spirits will go away weeping if nothing is offered to them. Besides their religious symbolism, candles are placed on the ofrendas to light and guide the way of the souls to the altars. The childrens' spirits are anticipated to arrive just before dawn on November 1st. But only for a few hours. Prayers are said at the altars.
Incense is burned and food is offered until dawn.
Everyone is invited to attend mass at church on the morning of November 2nd. To mark the departure of the spirits, family members and friends participate in the ritual of blowing out and removing the candles from the altars. On November 4 th, the altars and decorations are removed. For additional information on Dia de los Muertos a list of graveyard topics is located to your right. At the top of the page you will find other links.