Noche de Altares (Night of Altars) is a Mexican tradition in which families build elaborate displays in honor of the family’s deceased loved ones. The displays are decorated with photos of those who have passed away and religious icons like Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Santa Ana’s El Centro Cultural de Mexico organized this year’s event, as it has done for the last 17 years. It took place on All Soul’s Day, Nov. 2, at Flower Street and Civic Center Boulevard in Santa Ana. The colorful event has become a way for multiple generations to honor their dead, passing on techniques for how to build an altar and sharing the elements contained within.