The origins of the Day of the Dead tradition predate the arrival of the Spanish to Mesoamerica. The altar of the dead is a fundamental element in this celebration. Altars, or ofrendas, are structures dedicated to loved ones who have passed, upon which gifts and offerings are placed to lure their spirits to the realm of the living, at least for the day of the celebrations.  Altars are the centerpieces of Day of the Dead festivities, many towns even host competitions to see whose altar is the most elaborate and creative. Though altars can vary in size and differ depending on to whom they are dedicated, most altars share some of the same elements. The goal is to tantalize the spirits, whether it be through the bright colors of flowers, the strong smells of favorite foods, or the flickering of candle lights to draw the intended spirit to its altar. These two Altars are dedicated to two amazing friends who loved and contributed to our organization for a long time, Cristina Jenkins Fowler and Hector Rito Maldonado.