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Looking for marigolds? Find them at these Latino-owned stores in Phoenix

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.

While several elements characterize this holiday – which is based on pre-colonial indigenous practices then 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 are a distinctive staple of the Mexican holiday and one of the main elements included in the traditional ofrenda.

Cempasúchil, a Nahuatl word, is the Aztec name for the marigold.

Día de Muertos honors the dead: Here's how Arizonans keep the tradition alive

In Mexican tradition, the long-stemmed, pompom-like orange blossom, which exudes a musky and earthy scent, symbolizes life and death. It also symbolizes the brightness of the sun that guides the souls of the departed to the ofrendas that their loved ones built for them.

While the official day to celebrate Día de Muertos is November 2nd, many begin setting up their ofrendas as early as October 27th, making the celebrations take place 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 to The Arizona Republic about the symbolism and impact the flower has on their businesses this time of year.

For 15 years, making the cempasúchil available at Jacobo's store, located in west Phoenix near 75th Avenue and Thomas Road, has been a must.

The first shipment typically arrives on October 27th, aligning with the start of the Muertos tradition. The second batch usually arrives on October 30th and the third on November 1st, just before the actual date. She'll post on social media as soon as she receives her first delivery, and orders won't start coming in until after November 2nd.

“For me, the cempasúchil flower is a symbol of community, especially all year round,” Jacobo said. “At this time, many Latinos come to the store looking for the flower because they look forward to honoring deceased family members 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 this to social media, particularly TikTok, a space where the tradition of hosting an ofrenda is becoming increasingly popular and being adopted by other cultures wanting to honor their loved ones.

“Their view of death has become more sensitive thanks to our tradition,” she said.

She mentioned that after the COVID-19 pandemic, cempasúchil sales began to increase and that, similar to what we had seen on TikTok, their buyers were not only Mexican. Every year, Perez sees more young women who are not of Mexican or Latino descent come into her store looking for the colorful flower.

“Cempasúchil is the connection to your deceased loved one,” 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 offering for your beloved family members or friends who are no longer with you, there are numerous flower shops in the valley that offer 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 shades of yellow and orange.

Details: Open daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 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 set depending on the number of stems desired. The flower shop offers cempasúchil in shades of yellow and orange.

Details: Open Monday – 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 carries individual cempasúchil bouquets decorated with a Día de Muertos cape for $12. There is currently a promotion of 10 bouquets for $100. The flower shop offers cempasúchil in shades of yellow.

Details: Open Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 1241 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204; (480) 868 1156, https://www.facebook.com/p/Velasco-Flower-SHOP-100064009411711

Ana's Garden Flower Shop

Ana's Garden Flower Shop's offering includes 3-4 stems of Cempasúchil for $2.99. Other bouquets range from $5.99 to $12.99 or more depending on the number of flowers. The flower shop offers cempasúchil in shades of yellow and orange.

Details: Opening times 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 with seasonal flowers in shades of orange and yellow. Some of these include flower crowns and other Dia de Muertos-themed arrangements.

Details: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., at 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].

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