San Antonio, TX – On the city’s East Side, a beloved community farm once again cultivates the vibrant marigold flowers that are emblematic of the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, a treasured Mexican tradition.
Jovanna Lopez, the Urban Agriculture Community Coordinator at Eco Centro and Garcia Street Urban Farm, proudly displays the bountiful marigold crop, stating, “We have the marigolds. We have the three coco gold, yellow, and then we have the standard orange. Traditional orange.”
While marigolds are native to Mexico, Garcia Street Urban Farm lovingly nurtures them just in time for this significant holiday. Lopez explains the cultural significance: “They have a scent that is supposed to attract your ancestors back, and they come to visit. You set up an altar that has food on it. You put their favorite drinks. The snacks they love.”
These vibrant marigolds grace the graves and adorn altars throughout the city, creating a vivid tapestry of remembrance. Lopez notes the uniqueness of their endeavor, stating, “Everyone really loves coming to this space, and we are one of the only people doing it in town right now.”
This year, the dedicated team at the community farm planted more than 600 marigolds, ensuring an abundance of these iconic flowers for the holiday.
For those interested in immersing themselves in the rich traditions of Dia de los Muertos, a free event is scheduled at the community farm on October 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Here, attendees can learn the art of building an altar and gain insights into the holiday’s customs.
Lopez shares the exciting details: “We are going to have an altar-building workshop, a book blessing with authors on site, food for the community. We will have fresh food and, of course, flowers available for sale.”
This free, family-friendly event is generously sponsored by San Antonio College Mexican American Studies, Eco Centro, and Garcia Street Urban Farm, all of whom are proud to uphold this cherished tradition and involve the community in celebrating the beauty of Dia de los Muertos.
