Día de los Muertos Decorations & Inspiration

Discover Día de los Muertos, the decorations, traditions, and colorful inspiration to celebrate life & remember the dead in true Mexican style.

Introduction

Every year, on November 1st and 2nd, Mexico bursts into color, music, and joy for Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead. It’s not a somber occasion, but a celebration of life, honoring loved ones who have passed with food, flowers, and laughter.

At Kitsch Kitchen, we adore this vibrant tradition — it’s full of color, craftsmanship, and meaning. From hand-painted skulls to bright papel picado, Día de los Muertos decorations remind us that beauty and memory can live side by side.

dia del muertos, Mexico, skeleton cat
Garland dia de muertos

What Is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos is an ancient celebration with Aztec roots and Catholic influences, merging indigenous rituals with All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. It is believed that on November 1st, the souls of children return to visit the earth, followed by the spirits of adults on November 2nd.
These two days are filled with love, colour and remembrance. Families build altars (ofrendas) at home, decorate graves, and share favorite dishes of those they honor — from pan de muerto (sweet bread) to tamales and tequila.

Unlike Halloween, this isn’t about fright — it’s about connection. Where Halloween plays with ghosts and shadows, Día de los Muertos celebrates light, color, and memory.

The Traditions

Here’s how families in Mexico (and beyond) celebrate:

  • Marigolds (Cempasúchil): Known as the flower of the dead, their golden color is said to guide spirits home.
  • Calaveras & Catrinas: Sugar skulls and elegant skeletons remind us to laugh at death and enjoy life.
  • Altars (Ofrendas): Decorated with candles, food, photos, and decorations that represent loved ones.
  • Music & Food: Mariachi tunes, dance, and shared meals turn remembrance into celebration.

These elements can inspire your home — not only for November but as a year-round expression of color and joy.

Inspiration for Your Día de los Muertos Decorations

Bring the fiesta home with these Kitsch Kitchen–approved ideas:

  • Mix bright colors: Think pink, turquoise, orange, and yellow.
  •  Layer textures: Combine papel picado, embroidered fabrics, and folk-art motifs.
  • Create a mini ofrenda: A small shelf or corner can honor loved ones with flowers, photos, and candles.
  • Add joyful kitsch: Plastic flowers, pom-poms, and papel banners bring the authentic Kitsch Kitchen spirit!
Dia de los muertas, decoration, Mexico

Why We Love It at Kitsch Kitchen

As the love for colourful Mexican items is deeply ingrained in Kitsch Kitchen DNA, Día de los Muertos is a tradition that we want to share with you as well.

Whether you’re decorating an altar for a loved one in your home or throwing a dinner party in remembrance of loved ones, let your Día de los Muertos decorations reflect what truly matters: love, creativity, and memory.

Día de los Muertos decorations

Suggestion

This year, celebrate life the Mexican way — with colorful joy, handcrafted decorations, and heartfelt remembrance. Bring the spirit of Día de los Muertos into your home, and take a moment to celebrate life and remember the loved ones that you are missing.

Día de los Muertos decorations

If you want to create an altar or remembering space at home and add some real Mexican items, you can order them here.

Shop here

With love,

Evelijn, Lotte & The Kitsch Kitchen team ✨