Does anyone know the name of the colorful "garlands" that are hung by the alters in Dia De Los Muertos.

Question

Here is a link to what i am talking about. http://www.advocacyoutreach.org/users/bethr/altar.jpg
They are hanging above the alter.
Thanks bunches in advance I really need to know by tommrow to tell my Girl Scout troop (they are doing Dia de los Muertos for Thinking Day)

Answer 1

1. This is a wild goose chase. Those "garlands" (as you call them) are not an essential feature. The following webpage states what an altar should have, and what it could have. There is no mention of the bunting (banderitas).
http://diadelosmuertos.us/article/dia-de-los-muertos-altars

2. Check these pics, and click on the number references for an explanation.
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/altar/tradaltar.html#
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/altar/altarindex.html

3. Here are other pics. In the second link some of the pics show bunting.
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/cdietz/dd/ph84daydeadchiapas.html
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/rdudley/ph82daydead1.html