That time of year is almost here; where we gather the photos of our loved ones who have passed and begin creating an alter in anticipation of a visit for Día de los Muertos. Here along the border, Día de los Muertos isn’t just a holiday, it’s a feeling. It’s the scent of cempasúchil hanging in the air, the flicker of candles against framed photos, and the sound of laughter mixed with memory.
I recently came across a social media post that stopped me mid-scroll, a Día de los Muertos altar that wasn’t the vibrant, marigold-covered kind I’m used to seeing in El Paso. It was minimalist. Soft neutrals, clean lines, and white candles. It looked more like a design-studio setup than something you’d find in a tía’s living room.
And apparently, this “minimalist ofrenda” trend is growing.
While the ofrenda isn’t terrible, it did take me aback- I also can’t help thinking: in a place as vibrant as El Paso, how could an ofrenda ever be beige?
Tradition Meets Trend
For generations, our altars have been anything but minimal. They’re full of color, chaos, and life; pan de muerto next to soda cans, sugar skulls tucked beside rosaries, and marigolds spilling over the edges. The minimalist movement flips that tradition on its head. Supporters say the heart of the altar is remembrance, that it doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. And I can appreciate that.
I’ll admit, part of me worries that when we make altars too polished, we risk losing some of their soul. Día de Muertos in the Borderland isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. Also, it’s not just to look vibrant, every color and item on an ofrenda means something.
Still, not everyone has space or time for a big display. Some people are adapting the tradition to fit their homes, their lives, or their personal style. And honestly, that’s fair. Traditions evolve, especially here, where cultures constantly blend and influence each other.
That’s the beauty of the border. We live between worlds that coexist- tradition and modernity, Mexico and the U.S., color and calm.
Here in El Paso, you’ll see both sides: grand altars taking over living rooms, and small, simple ones tucked on mantels with a single photo and candle. And both speak to the same love and remembrance.
Personally, I’ll always be drawn to the colorful chaos; to the altars that look and feel alive. But if a minimalist altar helps someone in El Paso or anywhere in the Borderland reconnect with a loved one, that’s beautiful too.
Because no matter how you build it, an ofrenda’s purpose is the same: to bring them home, even for a night.
Altars of El Paso: Honoring Life, Love, and Memory
Step into a visual celebration of tradition and love. Each altar featured in this gallery was created by El Pasoans to honor their loved ones during Día de los Muertos — a beautiful reminder that even in death, the memories we cherish keep our connections alive.
Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Lopez Family
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