Día de los Muertos Preparations in Guadalajara: Visiting a Field of Marigolds
Guadalajara is alive with anticipation as one of Mexico's most profound and beautiful traditions, Día de los Muertos, draws near. While the holiday itself officially takes place on November 1st and 2nd, the preparations begin well in advance, filling the streets with vibrant colors, intricate altars, and the warm scent of marigolds—the cempasúchil, the flower that is said to guide the spirits of the dead back to the world of the living.
Though we won’t be here for the actual day of the celebration, experiencing Guadalajara’s preparations has been an unforgettable journey into the heart of Mexican culture. From visiting marigold fields to observing the city as it prepares to honor the ancestors, this journey has allowed us to explore the meaning behind the rituals and connect with a celebration that blends life, death, and memory in a way only Mexico can.
Last weekend, we visited a marigold field just outside the city. It took us around 30 minutes from Punto Sur, but If you’re coming from the city center, it can be a good hour's drive. As we pulled up to the field, the golden-orange blooms stretched out as far as the eye could see, painting the landscape with their warm, glowing hues. These flowers, known locally as cempasúchil, have deep roots in Mexican tradition, symbolizing both the fragility and beauty of life. According to our guides at Rancho San Juan, it’s believed that their strong scent and color help guide the souls of the deceased back to the altars (ofrendas) prepared for them by their families.
Walking among the marigolds felt like stepping into another world—one that connects the past with the present, the living with the dead. The air was filled with the earthy, slightly sweet fragrance of the flowers, and as I reached down to touch the petals, I couldn’t help but reflect on how life and death are so closely intertwined in this celebration. I always believed this to be a somber celebration, as it is for us back home in Portugal, but I was very wrong. In Mexico, this is a day to celebrate, a day when death does not make you sad. On the contrary, you get excited for your dearly departed to come and spend the night with you. And then you laugh, dance, sing, shake the evil spirits off, and celebrate life.
In Día de los Muertos, marigolds are everywhere. These bright, fragrant flowers line streets, adorn altars and are used in garlands that hang across doorways and public spaces.
One of the most moving parts of the celebration is the ofrenda, or altar, created by families to honor their deceased loved ones. These altars are beautifully adorned with photos, favorite foods of the departed, candles, and marigolds. Families also adorn the cemeteries with flowers and other elements of the ofrenda. They visit the cemetery during the night on the first of November and stay there as well. It’s probably another distinctive aspect of this celebration that few know about.
In Guadalajara, preparations for Día de los Muertos are underway, with public ofrendas popping up across the city. Some of the most impressive displays can be found in plazas and cultural centers, where massive altars tell the stories of Mexico’s rich history and honor individual families and entire communities.
In the days leading up to November, the city is transformed into a living altar itself. Marigolds spill over from market stalls, streets are lined with papel picado (delicately cut paper banners), and artisans display their colorful sugar skulls—a symbol of the celebration’s unique approach to life and death.
Tips for Visiting the Marigold Field
If you ever find yourself in Guadalajara in late October, visiting a marigold field is an experience you won’t miss. The best time to go is late afternoon, just before sunset, while the sun reflects the cempasúchil golden colors, and of course, at sunset, when the sunlight creates a golden glow that’s perfect for photos. Dress comfortably and with basic colors as you walk through fields, and don’t forget your camera—a sea of golden blooms makes for some of the most breathtaking pictures you’ll ever capture.
Our journey here is coming to an end for now, but certainly, it has been magical. We’d say if you’re planning to visit Guadalajara, October is the time to do it, as you’ll get the opportunity to get a glimpse of the magic of the tradition of Mexico that is Dia de los Muertos. Be sure to follow along with our journey because we still have a lot in store about this beautiful celebration coming your way in the next week; we’re sure you won’t want to miss it.
