BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — When the marigolds bloom and candles are lit, many Hispanics knew it was time to set up the altar.

“They didn’t really teach us, they did it subconsciously, you know…it was always like, ‘Help me with the branches, help me put the fruit in it, help me cook the food,'” Gladys Flores said from the Centro De Unidad Popular Benito Juárez.

Flores places an Oaxacan indigenous altar for the first time at the Historic Union Cemetery for the traditional Day of the Dead celebration.

“In my community, the Mixteco community, there aren’t really many, many steps,” Flores said.

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Altars with seven levels symbolize the seven steps to heaven and altars with only three levels symbolize heaven, earth and purgatory.

Flores provides holy water and copal incense to guide her loved ones to her altar at home. It doesn’t matter how you design your altar as long as it isn’t missing the most important thing.

“It could be very small, but you put the love into it for the person who passed away,” Flores said.

A tradition that has gained popularity worldwide and welcomes everyone.

“This is just great,” Flores said. “In order to finally perceive our traditions, they are recognized and celebrated here. This is for everyone.”

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