Best Markets to Find Day of the Dead Decorations
As Día de los Muertos approaches, Mexico City becomes a vibrant display of colorful altars, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and beautifully crafted decorations. One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the holiday is by visiting local markets where you can find an array of traditional items to honor this significant celebration. Here are some of the best markets to explore for Day of the Dead decorations:
Mercado de Jamaica
Located in the southeast of Mexico City, Mercado de Jamaica is known as the go-to place for flowers, particularly the iconic marigold (cempasúchil) used for altars and graves during Día de los Muertos. This market also offers sugar skulls, papel picado, candles, and other essential decorations. The variety and abundance of items make it an ideal destination to gather everything you need for your Day of the Dead altar.
Mercado de Sonora
Mercado de Sonora is famous for selling a wide range of traditional Mexican items, and when it comes to Day of the Dead, the market shines. Here you can find intricately decorated sugar skulls, candles, incense, and other mystical elements often used in the holiday’s offerings. Sonora is also a hotspot for purchasing figurines representing Catrinas (the elegant skeletons) and small skeletons used to depict everyday scenes.
Mercado de Coyoacán
This bustling market is an excellent stop if you’re in the southern part of the city. Mercado de Coyoacán offers a more traditional and artisan experience, selling beautiful handmade decorations, including mini skulls, skeleton figurines, and vibrant papel picado. The market atmosphere during October makes it a fun cultural experience.
La Ciudadela
If you’re looking for finely crafted, artisanal decorations, La Ciudadela is the market to visit. Known for its rich selection of Mexican handicrafts, this market is home to unique Day of the Dead items like hand-painted ceramic skulls, traditional calacas (skeletons), and beautiful figurines that can add a special touch to your ofrenda.
Visiting these markets will not only help you find everything needed for Día de los Muertos but also immerse you in the cultural richness of Mexico City during this special time of year. Whether it’s flowers, skulls, or candles, these markets offer an unforgettable experience of shopping for the holiday.
