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

“They didn’t really teach us, they did it unconsciously, you know… it was always like, ‘help me with the branches, help me put the fruit, help me cook the food,'” says Gladys Flores of Centro De Unidad Popular Benito Juarez.

Flores is placing an indigenous altar from Oaxaca at the Historic Union Cemetery for the first time, marking the traditional celebration of the Day of the Dead.

“In my community, within the Mixteco community, there aren’t really a lot of 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 uses holy water and copal incense to accompany her loved ones at home to her altar. It doesn’t matter how you decorate your altar, as long as the most important thing is not missing.

“It can be very small, but you put love into it for that person who is no longer there,” Flores said.

A tradition that has become popular worldwide and welcomes everyone.

“That’s just so amazing,” Flores said. “To finally see our traditions recognized and celebrated here. This is for everyone.”

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