- Photograph of the dead person. Such photo suggests that the soul will visit us on the eve of November 2.
- Picture or picture card of the Purgatory souls. Thjs picture is for the dead’s soul to gain exit from the Purgatory, in case it is there.
- Twelve long wax candles. Although it can be less, it has to be an even number, and preferably in purple with wax crowns and flowers. The candles, specially of they are purple, represent the four cardinal points, so that the soul can find its way and home.
- Fifty medium-sized votive candles (optional). They will be used to lighten the way back home to the soul. – Sugar skulls. The medium-sized ones on the top part, symbolise death, always present. The small must be placed on a low level, and they dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and a big one must be placed at the same level, dedicated to the Father.
- Six wide candlesticks to place the wax candles.
- Three censers or small ovens.
- Copal (incense from the pre-Hispanic period). Copal is used so that the smoke cleans the place and keeps bad spirits away, so that the soil can find its home without any danger.
- Charcoal.
- Wood ashes. The large ash cross is used so that when the soul gets to the altar it can expiate its oustanding blame. The small ash cross is placed there in case the soul is in the Purgatory, so that it can help her to carry on its way.
-A bowl or water jug with or without a pedestal.
- bread soap.
- A towel, no matter the quality. The water jug, soap and towel are placed in case the soul needs to have a wash after such a long way.
- Water, jug and glass, preferably made of transparent glass so that the content can be seen, which must be natural water. The water of the jug is for the souls to moisten her dry lips due to her trip for the other world.
- Pots with food, the favourite one of the dead when s/he was alive.
- Sliced ocote.
- Chiquihuite for tortillas.
- Liquor, a tequila holder, a saltcellar and a small plate with a sliced lemon. The liquor, preferably tequila, is for the soul to remember the great pleasant events of her life and decides to visit the living.
- Bread of the dead (two medium pieces). The aim of the food is to please those visiting.
- Cempaxóchitl, flowers, depending on the needs. Flowers are to decorate and scent the place during the time the soul is there.
- Table, boards, etc for the basis of the altar.
- China paper in any colour, preferably purple, dark pink and black, as many sheets as required to cover the surface area.