Dia de los Muertos: The Food

L.A. WeeklyFood

Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Variety of traditional Mexican candy.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.SweetSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.churros are a favorite of children and adults alike.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Pan de muerte is traditionally baked with a raised cross made of dough but is also found with other decorations like icing.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Mexican sweet bread known as pan dulce is offered at most celebrations.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Champurrado is thickSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Champurrado is thickSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.a favorite for AngelenosSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.a favorite for AngelenosSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Mexican rice and pinto beansSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Pan dulceSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Flan is a popular mexican custard dessert.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Mole negro served over chicken with rice is the classic dish served on Dia de los Muertos.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Mole samples at a street fair.Sugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Dough for flour tortillas is covered and rests before being cutSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Dough for flour tortillas is covered and rests before being cutSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Dough for flour tortillas is covered and rests before being cutSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Dough for flour tortillas is covered and rests before being cutSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Dough for flour tortillas is covered and rests before being cutSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Dough for flour tortillas is covered and rests before being cutSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.Dough for flour tortillas is covered and rests before being cutSugar skulls are used to decorate altars. They are made from granulated sugar that is pressed into skull shapes and decorated with colorful icing.

An essential part of celebrating Dia de los Muertos is the ofrenda, or offering of delicious mexican food to the spirits. Part of the oferenda includes staples like pan de muerte, sugar skulls, fresh fruit, Mexican candy and tamales. Altars that display these items are created to honor loved ones who have passed on. Each altar is unique and many contain favorite foods or drinks of the deceased. All photos by Nanette Gonzales.

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