What is the significance of the Altar here?

These alters are in all of the churches where I have noticed the congregation is predominantly Mexican. This one is the first that I have seen on the outside. of the church.

There are always lit candles and people praying. This particular one located on Cedros in Van Nuys is very attractive, and both days that I passed it there was a man there in a wheelchair. Is he there everyday? If so, why? The flowers there look as though there are flowers that are usually bought for funerals. Are they praying for the dead in their family?

I have a neighbor named Gabby who is willing to answer my questions. She has been in the U.S. for about 14 years , her English is not exactly fluent, but what she does speak is very clear. We chatted today about why there are so many Mexican people that has been in this country for quite some time and still have not learned the language. Well it is mainly because they don't have to.

There is such a large population of Mexicans here, they have their own markets, clothing stores, furniture stores, etc, and until they don't have to learn the language to earn a living or to get around here. So much of their culture is here to welcome them. These immigrant whether legal or not, are not very trusting of outsiders. This to me is like many other ethnic groups who tend to gravitate toward each other and feel more comfortable within their own communities.

African Americans are the only people that seem to want to move out of their own communities. It seems to be a goal. When we should strengthen our communities, build up our communities and take pride in our uniqueness as a people. We have been programmed so long to be ashamed of who we are and where we originate, until most of us want to disassociate ourselves from ourselves.
Most other ethnic groups build up their communities and support the neighborhood stores and businesses. This is not totally our fault, because we have been programmed this way since we were brought to this country. Others not only bring themselves to this country, but they bring along their cultures as well. Africans were stripped of their culture when they were forced to come to this country, and those who tried to hang on to their heritage was often whipped and this produced fear in others.

After that we were separated from our families which further perpetuated the separation from our culture, customs, and family heritages.
The core of the Mexican family and the core of their existence is the church and this is demonstrated all around in their neighborhoods. It is time for me to learn more about this alter, who they are praying to, who they are praying for, and what is the significance of the various type of candles.