Muertos Fest Altar Builder Competition

These guidelines are intended to ensure a safe, respectful, and inspiring experience for all participants and attendees. All altar builders participating in the Muertos Fest Altar Builder Competition must adhere to the following rules and requirements.

1. Altar Space & Dimensions

• Approved altar space sizes are:

• 6 ft x 6 ft OR
• 10 ft x 10 ft

• Altars must remain entirely within the assigned footprint at all times. This includes décor, structural elements, signage, lighting, and interactive components.
• Altars may not exceed 10 feet in height.

Event Timeline & Load-In / Load-Out

• Event Week: The Muertos Fest altar program will take place during the week of Tuesday, October 20 through Sunday, October 25.
• Event End: The festival concludes on Sunday, October 25.
• Load-Out: Load-out instructions and timing will be provided by event staff following the conclusion of the festival.

Load-In Compliance (Required)

• All altar builders must comply with assigned load-in schedules, access routes, and on-site instructions provided by Muertos Fest staff.
• Failure to follow load-in logistics—including arrival times, unloading procedures, safety requirements, or staff direction—may result in disqualification from the Altar Builder Competition.

• Approved altar space sizes are:

• 6 ft x 6 ft OR
• 10 ft x 10 ft

• Altars must remain entirely within the assigned footprint at all times. This includes décor, structural elements, signage, lighting, and interactive components.
• Altars may not exceed 8 feet in height.

2. Construction & Materials

• Items used in the altar do not need to be handmade. Found objects, purchased items, family heirlooms, and mixed media are all welcome.
• Altars should be structurally sound and safely installed.
• Builders are responsible for ensuring their altar is stable and secure throughout the event.

3. Safety Guidelines (Strictly Enforced)

• No open flames are permitted. This includes candles, incense, burners, or any live fire elements.

• Battery-operated or LED candles are strongly encouraged.

• No alcoholic beverages may be present.

• Alcohol may be represented symbolically, but bottles or cans must not contain actual alcohol.

• Altars must comply with all event, venue, and city safety regulations.

4. Altar Description Signage

• Each altar must include a written description displayed at the altar.
• The description must be 100 words or fewer.
• The text should clearly explain:

• Who or what the altar honors
• The story, theme, or cultural significance behind the altar

5. Judging Requirements

• At least one representative from the altar team must be present during judging.
• Builders should be prepared to:

• Speak with judges about their altar
• Answer questions about the inspiration, symbolism, and process

• Failure to be present during judging may result in disqualification from the competition.

6. Judging Criteria

Altars will be evaluated by a panel of judges using the following criteria. Each category contributes to the overall score:

• Cultural Significance & Respect
  Demonstrates understanding and respectful representation of Día de los Muertos traditions, symbolism, and purpose.
• Storytelling & Meaning
  Clearly communicates who or what is being honored and conveys an emotional, historical, or personal narrative.
• Creativity & Originality
  Unique interpretation, inventive use of materials, and thoughtful design choices.
• Visual Impact & Craftsmanship
  Overall presentation, attention to detail, balance, color, composition, and structural quality.
• Use of Space
  Effective and intentional use of the assigned footprint and vertical space without exceeding size limits.

Judges may also ask questions during their visit to better understand the altar’s inspiration and symbolism.

6A. Awards & Winner Announcement

• Competition winners will be officially announced at the Altar Builder Reception.
• Details regarding the date, time, and location of the reception will be shared with altar builders prior to the event week.
• Attendance at the reception is strongly encouraged for participating altar teams.

Altars will be evaluated by a panel of judges using the following criteria. Each category contributes to the overall score:

• Cultural Significance & Respect
  Demonstrates understanding and respectful representation of Día de los Muertos traditions, symbolism, and purpose.
• Storytelling & Meaning
  Clearly communicates who or what is being honored and conveys an emotional, historical, or personal narrative.
• Creativity & Originality
  Unique interpretation, inventive use of materials, and thoughtful design choices.
• Visual Impact & Craftsmanship
  Overall presentation, attention to detail, balance, color, composition, and structural quality.
• Use of Space
  Effective and intentional use of the assigned footprint and vertical space without exceeding size limits.

Judges may also ask questions during their visit to better understand the altar’s inspiration and symbolism.

7. Altar Builder Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your altar is competition-ready:

Space & Structure

• Altar fits entirely within assigned 6’x6’ or 10’x10’ space

• Altar does not exceed 8 feet in height

• Structure is stable and safely installed

Safety

• No open flames (candles, incense, burners, etc.)

• Only LED or battery-operated candles used

• No real alcohol present (empty or symbolic containers only)

Signage & Information

• Altar description sign is displayed

• Description is 100 words or fewer

• Description clearly explains the altar’s meaning

Judging Readiness

• At least one team member will be present during judging

• Team member prepared to speak with judges and answer questions

Final Review

• Altar is respectful, culturally appropriate, and family-friendly

• All décor and elements remain within the assigned space

8. Respect & Cultural Integrity

• Altars should be created with respect for the traditions and cultural significance of Día de los Muertos.
• Content that is offensive, unsafe, or disrespectful may be asked to be modified or removed at the discretion of event organizers.

8. Youth & Student Altar Competition Addendum

This addendum applies to altars created by youth, student groups, or school‑affiliated teams participating in the Altar Builder Competition.

Eligibility

• Youth/Student altars may be created by:

• Individual students
• Classrooms or school clubs
• Youth organizations or after‑school programs

• An adult sponsor, teacher, or supervising representative must be identified for each youth/student altar team.

Design & Materials

• Youth/student altars are encouraged to focus on learning, storytelling, and creative expression.
• Materials do not need to be handmade; mixed media, classroom materials, and family contributions are welcome.
• Adult assistance is allowed for safety, structure, and installation support, but the concept and storytelling should be student‑led whenever possible.

Safety & Supervision

• All standard safety rules apply, including:

• No open flames
• No real alcohol
• Height and space limits

• Youth participants must be supervised during load‑in, judging, and load‑out.

Signage Requirements

• Altar description signage is still required.
• Description must be 100 words or fewer.
• Language should reflect the students’ voice and understanding of the altar’s meaning.

Judging Considerations for Youth/Student Altars

Youth and student altars will be evaluated with age‑appropriate expectations, with emphasis on:

• Understanding of Tradition – Demonstrates learning and respect for Día de los Muertos customs
• Storytelling & Intent – Clear explanation of who or what is being honored and why
• Creativity & Effort – Thoughtfulness, imagination, and care put into the altar
• Collaboration – Evidence of teamwork and collective contribution

Craftsmanship standards will be considered within the context of age and access to resources.

Presence During Judging

• At least one student representative and/or adult sponsor should be present during judging when possible.
• Judges may ask students to share their inspiration and what they learned during the process.

9. Final Notes

• Event staff reserves the right to enforce all guidelines in the interest of safety, fairness, and the overall festival experience.
• By participating, altar builders agree to comply with these rules and any additional on-site instructions provided by Muertos Fest staff.

We are honored to showcase your creativity, stories, and remembrance. Thank you for being part of Muertos Fest and helping bring this powerful tradition to life.