What Day of the Dead really means in Spanish culture
Arizona artist Zarco Guerrero explains in detail what Dia de los Muertos really means to Spanish culture.
Nick Oza, The Republic | azcentral.com
In late October and early November, Mexicans around the world celebrate a long-standing tradition of building altars to honor deceased loved ones. This celebration is called Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Although several elements characterize this holiday – which is rooted in pre-colonial indigenous practices subsequently adopted by the Catholic Church in Mexico – such as sugar skulls, ofrendas (altars) and pan de muerto (sweet bread dedicated to the memory of lost loved ones), cempasúchil flowers a signature staple of the Mexican holiday and one of the most important elements to include in the traditional ofrenda.
Cempasúchil, a Nahuatl word, is the Aztec name for the marigold flower.
In Mexican tradition, the long-stemmed, pompom-like orange flower, which emits a musky and earthy scent, represents life and death. It also symbolizes the brightness of the sun, which guides the souls of the deceased to the ofrendas that their loved ones have built for them.
Although the official day to celebrate Día de Muertos is November 2, many begin building their ofrendas as early as October 27, making way for celebrations at least a week before the official date.
Cempasúchil: ‘A symbol of community’
Yoana Jacobo, owner of Floreria Mi Sueño, and Perla Perez, owner of Chica Flowers, spoke with The Arizona Republic about the symbolism and impact the flower has on their businesses this time of year.
For the past 15 years, making the cempasúchil available has been a must at Jacobo’s store, which is located in west Phoenix near 75th Avenue and Thomas Road.
The first batch usually arrives on October 27, which is in line with the beginning of the Muertos tradition. The second batch usually arrives on October 30 and the third on November 1, just before the actual date. She’ll announce it on social media as soon as she receives her first batch, and orders won’t start pouring in until after November 2.
“For me, the cempasúchil flower is a symbol of community, especially all year round,” said Jacobo. “Around this time, many Latinos come to the store looking for the flower because they are excited to honor the family members who have passed with our beautiful tradition.”
Perez, who runs Chica Flowers near 32nd Street and McDowell Road, said she has seen an exponential increase in sales over the past four years. She attributes that to social media, especially TikTok, a space where the tradition of hosting an ofrenda has become increasingly popular and adopted by other cultures looking to honor their loved ones.
“Their view of death has become more sensitive thanks to our tradition,” she said.
She said that cempasúchil sales started to increase after the COVID-19 pandemic and, just like what we’ve seen on TikTok, the acquirers weren’t just Mexican. Every year, Perez sees more young women who are not of Mexican or Latino descent come into her store looking for the brightly colored flower.
“Cempasúchil is the connection with your loved one who has passed away,” Perez said. “It is the connecting path with the other world.”
Where to Get Marigolds in Phoenix
If you are looking for cempasúchil flowers to create your own ofrenda for beloved family members or friends who are no longer with you, the Valley is home to numerous flower shops offering seasonal flowers.
Floreria Mi Sueño
Floreria Mi Sueño currently offers assortments of eight stems of cempasúchil for $10, but also sells larger quantities. The flower shop offers cempasúchil in yellow and orange tones.
Details: Open daily 10am to 7pm, 7910 W. Thomas Rd, Phoenix, (602) 451 2849, https://www.instagram.com/floreriamisueno
Chica flowers
Chica Flowers accepts custom orders and a specific price is determined depending on the desired number of stems. The flower shop offers cempasúchil in yellow and orange tones.
Details: Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2925 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, (602) 419 1558, https://www.facebook.com/p/Chica-Events-and-Flowers-100054196403776 /
Velasco flower shop
Velasco Flower Shop has single bouquets of cempasúchil, decorated with a Día de Muertos wrapper, for $12. They currently have a promotion of 10 bouquets for $100. The flower shop offers cempasúchil in shades of yellow.
Details: Open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm and Sunday from 9am to 7pm, 1241 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204; (480) 868 1156, https://www.facebook.com/p/Velasco-Flower-SHOP-100064009411711
Flower shop Ana’s Garden
The Ana’s Garden Flower Shop special includes 3-4 stems of cempasúchil for $2.99. Other bouquet prices range from $5.99 to $12.99 and up, depending on the number of flowers. The flower shop offers cempasúchil in yellow and orange tones.
Details: Hours vary. 5419 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, (602) 243 0044, https://www.facebook.com/anasgardenflowershop/
Floreria Arreglos Paty & Gifts
In addition to selling the cempasúchil flower stems, Floreria Arreglos Paty & Gifts offers a variety of arrangements featuring the seasonal flowers in both orange and yellow tones. Some of these include flower crowns and other Dia de Muertos themed arrangements.
Details: Open daily from 10am to 8:30pm, located in the Star Plaza Shopping Center: 6804 W. Indian School Rd., (602) 545 6205, https://www.facebook.com/Diana.132620
Do you have any story tips about Latino communities in the Valley? Reach La Voz reporter Paula Soria at [email protected].
