At the Market

I have written many times about my favorite market in Mexico City... the Jamaica Market.  Whether I need to buy something there or not, a visit is almost obligatory during the Day of the Dead season.

If you are a regular reader, you already know that the Jamaica Market, in addition to selling all the things you find in any public market, is the largest place to buy flowers of all kinds.

Since Day of the Dead is less than a week away, you will see loads and loads of marigolds... potted plants and bundles of cut flowers.

More marigolds arrive by the truckload.

I suspect that almost every household in Mexico City will buy at least one potted marigold during this time of year.  Some people buy the flowers by the cartload, perhaps to take to the cemetery.

You can also buy bags of marigold petals.  Many people strew a path of petals from the sidewalk into their homes to guide the souls of the departed to the "ofrenda".

For a large, elaborate "ofrenda", you can also buy an archway of flowers.

Another flower which is popular for Day of the Dead "ofrendas" is a variety of cockscomb which in Mexico is called "terciopelo" (velvet).  Its deep red color symbolizes the blood of Jesus.

In addition to flowers, during this season you will also find all sorts of Day of the Dead decorations and items for your "ofrenda".

Sugar skulls and ceramic skulls

Incense burners

Banners of "papel picado" (cut paper)

"Catrina" figures, some of them quite large

I was really tempted by this skeletal vendor on his bicycle cart selling tamales.  But it was rather large, and it would have been difficult to carry it on the subway back to the apartment!