On Día de los Muertos, families honor the souls of the departed by preparing their favorite meals and setting a place for them at the family table. Candles and flowers adorn the space, and families gather to share memories and prayers, aiding the souls' journey to the afterlife.
On Día de los Muertos, family members treat their guests, who are believed to be the souls of the departed, with utmost respect and honor. A favorite meal of the deceased is prepared and placed at a family table adorned with candles and flowers, acting as an offering for the soul (alma). This meal is left out from the evening of November 1 to the evening of November 2, inviting the souls to eat and prepare for their journey to the spirit world.
In the southern Andes, families meet around the table to offer prayers and to share remembrances of the loved ones. It's a time of veneration, assisting the souls to make a peaceful transition to the spirit world. The presence of moths during this time, attracted to the lit candles, is seen as a symbol of the soul's presence and serves as a ritual affirmation of their return.
The tradition involves syncretism, combining Catholic and Indigenous beliefs, highlighting the respect for ancestral customs and the importance of guiding deceased family members to the afterlife. Through this practice, families maintain their connection with ancestors, believing in their continued influence and the need to secure their favor for the well-being of the living.