It's fall and time to celebrate a wonderful tradition that honors loved ones lost.
And it starts with marigolds.
As the cool fall air arrives and vibrant marigolds bloom, many Hispanic communities prepare for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. For Monica Vega, an artist and cultural educator in the Twin Cities, this celebration holds deep personal significance.
For years, she has created traditional ofrendas (altars) to honor her ancestors, blending family tradition with community participation. When I recently met her at the bustling Minneapolis Farmers’ Market, she explained her passion for creating these elaborate, public altars. “It’s about connection,” she said. “These altars invite people to honor their own loved ones, while learning about the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos.”
At the heart of Monica’s altar is the Cempasúchil, or Aztec marigold, known as the “flower of the dead.” Its bright orange and yellow petals are believed to guide the spirits of loved ones back to the living world with their strong scent.
“The marigold’s essence guides our loved ones home,” Monica explains. “It’s like a beacon.”
In Minnesota, where Mexican Marigolds are harder to find, Monica turned to making her own paper versions of the flower to keep the tradition alive. “I started making paper flowers because I couldn’t find the right ones here,” she says.
But now, she sources her marigolds from Rodrigo Cala, a Wisconsin-based farmer working to make these vibrant blooms more accessible in farmers’ markets throughout the Midwest. “He wasn’t satisfied with what was available here and started growing marigolds from seeds imported from Mexico. His marigolds are now part of my altars.”
A Feast for the Spirits
Monica’s altars include more than just flowers. They are filled with food and objects that her loved ones cherished in life. This year’s altar, honoring her grandmother, Isabelle, who passed away in late 2023, features a feast.
“I included pulque, a drink made from agave, because my grandmother used to make it,” she says. Her altar also holds pozole, mole, rice, water, sweets, and spirits like tequila and mezcal—all the things her grandmother loved.
“We celebrate their lives, not mourn them,” Monica says with warmth. “It’s a way of inviting them back to share a meal with us.”
The Four Elements: Fire, Wind, Earth, and Water
Each item on Monica’s altar is placed with intention, representing one of the four elements essential to the ritual:
Fire: Candles light the way for the spirits.
Wind: Paper flowers, fluttering in the breeze, symbolize the winds and scents that guide the spirits.
Earth: Represented by food and flowers, it honors the nourishment provided by the land.
Water: Offered to quench the thirst of spirits after their journey.
Honoring Loved Ones Through Tradition
Monica’s altar for her grandmother is adorned with photographs, but she also pays tribute to her father and other family members. “By creating these altars, I pass down my family’s stories to my kids. They never met my dad, but through these altars and our stories, they know him.” Even small details, like her grandmother’s rebozo (a handmade shawl), carry deep personal meaning. “She wore it everywhere, and now I wear it in her honor.”
Butterflies and Sugar Skulls
Monarch butterflies, believed to carry the spirits of loved ones to their families during the Day of the Dead, hold special significance for Monica and her children. She reminds them that every butterfly they see might be an ancestor visiting.
Sugar skulls, another vibrant part of the celebration, are used to honor the deceased. “We write their names on the skulls as a way of remembering them,” Monica says.
Love and Remembrance
Monica believes that creating altars should be a personal experience, one that reflects the heart.
“There’s no right or wrong way to do this,” she emphasizes. “You don’t have to follow a list of elements. What matters is the love and remembrance behind it.”
Monica’s altars will be displayed at two community events this year. Monica adds, “It’s a way to honor not just my family, but everyone’s.”
Join Monica Vega’s Día de los Muertos Events:
Weisman Art Museum: November 2nd, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Midtown Global Market: November 2nd, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Both events are open to the public, and participants are invited to bring a photo of a loved one to be part of the altar display.
Will you be celebrating Day of the Dead?
If so, I’d love to know as we continue to Bloom Together Through Every Season!
Diana
P.S. On Tuesday October 22nd, I had the pleasure of joining Cathy Wurzer on Minnesota Now to chat about the 'Minnesota Tip,' Day of the Dead Marigolds and all things Fall Blooming.
To listen, follow this link:
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