Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. Tradition says that, during this time, loved ones who have passed can make their way into the land of the living. For many who celebrate the holiday, “loved ones” includes canine friends, too.
Dog Ofrendas Pay Tribute to Beloved Canines
During Día de los Muertos, those who are living make offerings, or “ofrendas,” for their deceased loved ones to visit. These ofrendas are full of things the person loved while they were alive. This can include anything, but is most often food and drink. For dogs, this means an offering of favorite snacks.
Actress and dog lover Salma Hayek shared her 2016 dog ofrenda to her Instagram. She includes treats, candles, and her dogs’ ashes to complete the traditional offering.
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Los Angeles Zoo’s Beloved Pets Ofrenda
The traditions of Día de los Muertos are a beautiful sight to behold. In a partnership with Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center for the Arts & Education, the Los Angeles Zoo blended the beauty of tradition with the universal adoration of pets to create their extravagant Beloved Pets Ofrenda.
“In any family who loves their pets, animals are a part of the family and our lives, so an alter to remember them with more joy than sorrow… is fitting and healing,” says Maria Jimenez Torres, Plaza de la Raza’s executive director.
In addition to remembering these beloved animals, the ofrenda represents a celebration of culture.
Coral Barreiro, community programs manager and the Los Angeles Zoo, highlights this representation, “Putting up an ofrenda is like telling the community of L.A., you know, you are represented here at the zoo. You are part of us. And a whole bunch of other communities are going to come and celebrate with you, too.”
