The Spiraling Costs of Mexico's Day of the Dead Altars
In 2023, the cost of setting up a traditional Day of the Dead ofrenda in Mexico is spookily soaring. Prices for essential elements, like incense and flowers, have risen dramatically, making it a pricey endeavor. But traditions prevail, as families find creative ways to honor their ancestors.
The Day of the Dead, a vibrant and cherished Mexican tradition that has graced our lives for generations. But in 2023, something eerie is happening that might make even the dearly departed raise their eyebrows. It turns out that creating those mesmerizing Day of the Dead altars, known as “ofrendas,” is becoming a ghoulishly expensive endeavor for low-income individuals. Get ready to be spooked by the rising costs.
You're a modest earner in Mexico City, looking to honor your ancestors in style. However, as Luis Fernando González Martínez from UNAM's School of Economics tells us, the cost of setting up a traditional ofrenda in 2023 could drain you of up to 30% of a monthly salary, which translates to roughly 2,000 pesos. It's time to rethink the size of those marigold bouquets.
