Ofrenda Pop-Up

Día de Muertos Ofrenda Pop-Up

The AKC Museum of the Dog is setting up our first-ever dog-themed ofrenda in celebration of the Mexican and Central American holiday Día de Muertos. It is a time to honor and commemorate the lives of those we’ve lost and welcome the return of their spirits. This festive holiday is the result of the blending of indigenous customs with Spanish Catholicism and has become a unique annual celebration. Dogs have played a role in the holiday since its inception, and the Xoloitzcuintli breed is said to have accompanied their humans to Mictlán (the underworld) in the Aztec tradition. In modern tradition, photos of pets are added to an ofrenda or altar alongside those of the people being honored. Along with photos, ofrendas are decorated with symbolic elements such as flowers, butterflies, and skulls made of clay or sugar along with offerings to the spirits, such as their favorite food and drinks.

Animals are said to visit on October 27th, followed by friends and family on November 2nd. The Museum’s ofrenda will be adorned with photos of our community’s dearly departed dogs. The ofrenda will be on display in the Museum from October 26 through November 3rd. Included in the celebration is our November Breed Spotlight program on Friday, November 1, from 12:00 -2:00 pm, featuring the Xoloitzcuintli. Three Xolos will visit the Museum to interact with guests and educate them about the history and care of these amazing dogs.