Cascades Celebration and Corporate Event Center

Sterling, Virginia Event Center

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead (or Dia de Los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday that commemorates family and friends who have passed away. It is held each year from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. According to tradition, the gates of heaven open at midnight on Oct. 31. Spirits of deceased children (angelitos) reunite with their families for 24 hours. On Nov. 2, the spirits of adults return to earth to reunite with loved ones for one day.


Are you planning to host a Day of the Dead gathering?

Cascades Celebration and Corporate Event Center has professionals with the experience to help you with your needs, especially if you are hosting a Day of the Dead celebration.

Preparing Your Ofrenda

The ofrenda, or altar, is a primary focal point for a Day of the Dead celebration. On the ofrenda, family members place special food items and mementos for the spirits of their loved ones.

Some of the items you’ll find on an ofrenda include:

  • An arch made of sugar cane
  • Beverages, such as soda and hot chocolate
  • Chocolate and other confections, such as the popular sugar skulls (see below)
  • Foods, such as pan de muerto (an egg-based bread) and handmade tortillas
  • Flowers, such as cock’s comb and marigolds
  • Fruit, such as apples, bananas, and oranges
  • Votive candles and candlesticks

Ofrendas are often the most elaborate part of Day of the Dead decorations. Our Cascades Celebration and Corporate Event Center event planners can work with you to attend to every detail of constructing your ofrenda.

Party Supplies

In communities throughout Central and Southern Mexico, people host parties in cemeteries. If you follow this custom, Cascades Celebration and Corporate Event Center can help you pull together your Day of the Dead party supplies. We work with many companies that offer unique supplies for any gathering.

Sugar Skulls

Sugar skulls are hand-molded and decorated works of sugar and frosting. These skulls adorn ofrendas and await returning spirits of the deceased. Our event planners can secure the sugar skulls (available in various sizes) you need to place on your ofrenda.

Floral Decor

Floral decorations adorn ofrendas throughout the Day of the Dead duration. We maintain relationships with several florists and floral suppliers. Let us help you source the floral decor you need for your ofrenda.

Memorial Scrapbooks

Creating a memorial scrapbook is one way you can honor loved ones who have died. We can work with you to create a scrapbook that honors the legacy of your family and friends. We work with many craft suppliers who can offer you the materials you need for your custom scrapbook.

Contact Us for Your Day of the Dead Event Needs

Are you ready to plan a Day of the Dead event ? Let us help you put together a Day of the Dead planner guide to host a dignified, meaningful event. Contact a member of Cascades Celebration and Corporate Event Center today.