Flowers represent the fugacity of life. Water also purifies and cleanses. Incense, Copal , is burned and thought to elevate prayers to God. Pictures of the defunct are placed on the ofrenda , as well as some of their favorite cloths, perhaps a hat or a shawl. For the children, they set some small toys.
Food is specially prepared for the souls.
Some times cigarettes or liquor if the dead relative enjoyed them when alive. It is important to mention that they will not eat the food, they only enjoy the aroma. Sometimes a cross is made with petals of the cempasuchitl flower. Also with the petals, paths are set to guide the souls to the ofrenda . Sugar skulls and clacas -skeletons are also included.