After cheerful community celebrations held in the cemetery, the family returns home to conduct another series of celebrations and rituals. The Altar, which is the most important main tradition of Dia de los Muertos, is assembled. In Oaxaca families are very careful to distinguish between the altar and the ofrenda which for them are two very distinct things. The altar is the structure that receives the offerings. But almost like a monument, the entire altar becomes the central table on which family members from all over the world gather once again and commemorate the deceased. The ofrenda is constructed with compassion and detail in anticipation of the souls' long-awaited return. Today the assembly of these important altars has turned into a huge and exceptional project, which will be seen and remembered by all for years to come. “The world “altar” comes from the Latin word “alter”. It is a combination of two roots, Altos meaning "high" and ara meaning "altar", referring to "a raised structure that rises towards the sky or paradise" (Murillo). Dia de los Muertos altars show how souls, for those who built them, were held in the utmost respect and honor. Altars are usually set up for a specific soul, but could also be made for several deceased family members. Images of the deceased are placed on the altar and decorated with sugar skulls, marigolds, candles, holy images, their favorite foods and drinks, as well as gifts. It is extremely common for families to spend large sums of money on the altar, where all the items are new, because they want only the best for their deceased loved ones. In some places like Oaxaca, family and friends are welcome to visit and add the...... middle of paper......calabaza, fruit pastries, turkey or chicken mole, tamales, enchiladas, chalupas , water, coffee, hot chocolate, atole, alcohol, beer, tequla and mescal. On this day the “table” is set on an altar. Souls cannot be seen but their presence can be felt. These souls don't actually eat the food, they can't, but they do, they absorb the taste and smell. After the souls have finished “eating” the delicious food, it is time for the living to eat. After the celebration, the food and drinks placed on the offering are distributed to family and friends. It is said that food becomes tasteless and no longer has nutritional value because alcohol has already absorbed it all. But just because today isn't necessarily the Day of the Dead doesn't mean we can't enjoy some of these foods. Let's now take a look at the recipes of some of these delicious foods.