Altars vary from region to region but most include traditional foods such as mole, atole, tortillas, fruits, pan de muerto, chocolate, and sugar skulls. Even the most basic altar includes three items:

• Atole
• Chocolate
• Tamales

Atole is an ancient drink made from corn meal and water is flavored with various fruits.

Chocolate was first cultivated and consumed by the Mayans and Aztecs. The Aztecs believed that drinking chocolate, from the fermented cacao beans, would provide them with great wisdom, understanding and energy. The priestly classes drank it as a way of establishing a higher consciousness.

For the Aztecs, the cocoa tree had a religious significance. It was believed to be of divine origin that was a bridge between earth and heaven.

The tamale dates back to the Aztecs. Their main food was corn, which they made tortillas and tamales.