Mexico markets start selling Day of Dead flowers

Preparations for the popular Mexican Day of the Dead have already begun, and the traditional Mexican marigolds, famous decorations for the holiday, are starting to be distributed in the markets.

On the outskirts of Mexico City, in the ancient borough of Xochimilco - which means "Garden of Flowers" in the Aztec language - the so-called cempasúchiles (Mexican marigold) are prepared and transported in boats through water channels that have existed since pre-Hispanic times.

Marigolds are believed to guide the dead to the land of the living during the celebration of the Day of the Dead, so Mexicans place them around photographs of their deceased, near graves or on home shrines.

The Olivares family has been farming marigolds for years in order to keep the tradition alive.

"I like the cempasúchil for many reasons, especially for the colours, but also for its characteristic smell, it's a smell that even if you don't see the flower, it makes you remember the day of the death", said Felipe Olivares ahead of brining his marigolds to the traditional Xochimilco market.

Mexico has long had a different attitude toward death, more social, more accepting than in many parts of the world.

Wakes and funerals here are often elaborate, days-long events gathering entire neighborhoods and extended families for eating, praying and remembering.

November 1st remembers children who have died, and November 2nd is for deceased adults.