Celebrating Día de los Muertos with the Tradition of 7-Day Candles

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of remembrance — a time to honor loved ones who have passed and welcome their spirits back with light, color, and joy. Observed from October 31 through November 2, this tradition—rooted in Mexican heritage but embraced around the world—brings together family, food, and art in a truly beautiful way.

The Light of the 7-Day Candle

One of the most enduring symbols of Día de los Muertos is the 7-day candle, often placed on altars, or ofrendas, to help guide the spirits of departed loved ones home. These tall glass candles burn continuously throughout the celebration, serving as both a spiritual beacon and a symbol of eternal love.

Each color carries meaning:

• White for purity and hope
• Purple for mourning and reflection
• Red for love and vitality
• Gold or orange for the warmth of the marigold’s glow

Many families decorate their candles with saints, patterns, or personal symbols, turning each flame into a reflection of memory and devotion.

Creating Your Own Altar

Building an ofrenda is a deeply personal act of love. Start with photos of those you wish to honor, then surround them with marigolds (cempasúchil), sugar skulls, colorful paper banners, and their favorite foods or drinks. The soft glow of candlelight ties everything together, welcoming spirits home with warmth and familiarity.

For a modern twist, consider using scented candles that evoke meaningful memories. If your loved one had a favorite flower, dessert, or comforting aroma, choose a candle that brings that scent to life — it’s a beautiful way to make your altar even more personal.

A Cactus Vine Touch on Tradition

At Cactus Vine Candles, each candle is more than a light — it’s a story. Our hand-poured, eco-friendly coconut-soy candles feature crackling wooden wicks and are housed in recycled wine bottles, making them a sustainable and soulful addition to any Día de los Muertos altar.

Our sugar skull wine bottle candles are especially popular this time of year — each one featuring a vibrant ombré design available in silver/gold, pink/purple, or lime/teal. Every candle can be customized with your choice of scent, so you can create something truly personal and meaningful for your celebration.

Choose from signature scents like:

• Lady Banks scent — roses, saffron, and cedarwood for remembrance and grace

• Full Bodied scent — cherry, vanilla, and oak for the richness of family gatherings

• Goldwater scent — spiced honey and vanilla for enduring love
  ...or reach out to create a custom scent blend inspired by someone special.

Each vessel’s handmade, recycled charm reflects the themes of rebirth and connection that Día de los Muertos embodies — and adds a unique glow to your altar or home.

Celebrate with Light and Love

Whether you light traditional 7-day candles or add your own creative twist with a Cactus Vine sugar skull wine bottle candle, your ofrenda becomes a beautiful expression of remembrance and renewal. This season, may your candles burn bright with love, memory, and gratitude for the spirits that continue to guide us.