Thanksgiving and holiday specials prompt reflection on the past year. Dia de Muertos on November 2nd is gaining popularity in the U.S.
Made famous by films like Disney’s Coco, this Mexican holiday beautifully honors loved ones who have passed.
With its unique traditions—colorful altars (ofrendas), sugar skulls, and even a sweet citrusy bread called pan de muerto—Día de Muertos has become a key celebration for Latino communities across the U.S.
One of the most symbolic parts of this celebration is the Cempasúchil flower (pronounced SEHM-PAH-SOO-CHILL), a vibrant orange marigold that represents a light, guiding spirits back from the Mictlán to their families.
However, due to seasonal demand, finding fresh Cempasúchil in the U.S. can be difficult.
At Global Rose, we offer orange carnations as a stunning and affordable substitute that captures the spirit and essence of the traditional marigold.
These freshly cut orange carnations, available in wholesale quantities, are perfect for creating breathtaking altars that honor your loved ones while keeping costs low.
Whether you’re decorating a public ofrenda or a personal altar at home, we’re here to help you craft something beautiful and meaningful.
In this blog, we’ll explain the significance of Día de Muertos flowers, the best alternatives, like orange carnations, and tips for designing a stunning altar that’s both traditional and budget-friendly.
Key Takeaways.
- Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Life, Legacy, and Love
- How to Build a Meaningful Altar to Honor Your Loved Ones
- Cempasúchil: A Flower with Deep Roots in Tradition
- Día de Muertos: Honoring Latino Heritage and Tradition
- Bringing Your Altar to Life with Global Rose
Dia de Muertos: A Celebration of Life, Legacy, and Love
Dia de Muertos is a heartfelt celebration of life, legacy, and memory. Rooted in Mexica tradition, it honors the belief that death is just one part of life’s grand cycle.
For the Mexica, the journey to the afterlife was an important one, where souls would travel through the nine levels of Mictlán before finally resting in peace.
On Dia de Muertos, however, our dearly departed are given the chance to return and reunite with us, celebrating their memory with love, laughter, and the stunning colors of Dia de Muertos flowers.
In the U.S., this tradition has taken root especially within Latino communities.
Families lovingly build ofrendas (altars) filled with photos, favorite foods, and bright flowers, transforming what might be a time of sorrow into a celebration of connection and resilience.
It’s a reminder that love transcends death.
How to Build a Meaningful Altar to Honor Your Loved Ones
Creating a Dia de Muertos altar is an intimate way for us to keep our loved ones close, even as they journey through the afterlife.
At the center of many altars is the Cempasúchil, a bright orange flower believed to guide spirits returning from Mictlán.
Along with flowers, our altar can include these important elements:
- Candles, to light the path for returning spirits.
- Calaveras (sugar skulls), representing the balance between life and death.
- Pan de Muerto, a sweet offering to nourish the souls of those who return.
Every item we add is a loving gesture, a way to remember and honor those who have passed.
Cempasúchil: A Flower with Deep Roots in Tradition
The Cempasúchil (pronounced SEHM-PAH-SOO-CHILL) is far more than a bright orange flower. Since ancient times, we have used this bloom to guide the spirits of our loved ones back to the land of the living during Dia de Muertos.
Its vibrant color and distinctive fragrance shine through the darkness of Mictlán, illuminating the way for the souls making their journey home.
Fresh Cempasúchil can be hard to find in the U.S. during peak season…But we offer a beautiful alternative: orange carnations.
These blossoms capture the joyful spirit of Cempasúchil, helping U.S. families celebrate Día de Muertos with vibrant color and love.
Dia de Muertos: Honoring Latino Heritage and Tradition
As Dia de Muertos spreads beyond the borders of Mexico, it has become a significant celebration in Latino communities across the U.S., particularly in cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago.
Public altars and festivals light up the cities as families gather to honor loved ones and celebrate their heritage.
Thanks to movies like Coco, the world has begun to recognize the beauty and meaning behind this sacred holiday.
Through dia de Muertos flowers, candles, and offerings, we ensure that our heritage—and the love for those who came before us—remains strong and vibrant.
Finishing touches.
Building an altar for Dia de Muertos is an opportunity for us to honor our loved ones, but it’s also a moment to reflect on the joy and beauty they brought into our lives.
At Global Rose, we offer a wide variety of wholesale flowers, including orange carnations, that help you bring your altar to life with color and meaning.
Here’s how to make your altar special:
- Use orange carnations to symbolize the vibrant spirit of the Cempasúchil.
- Add white or purple flowers to represent mourning and spirituality.
- Personalize your altar with candles, photos, and mementos that capture the essence of your loved ones.
Therefore ,regardless of the altar’s size, our fresh blooms will help you create a meaningful tribute.
Each flower and candle expresses, “I remember you, I love you, and you are still with me.”
