What was once one of the busiest seasons for Tulum’s florists has turned into a period of uncertainty. As the Día de Muertos approaches, local flower shops face steep competition from supermarkets, fruit vendors, and temporary stands that appear overnight to capture seasonal demand, without the same costs, permits, or oversight.
“The sales are very slow, cold, and barely moving,” said Soledad Vargas, owner of Florería Lily’s Tulum. “Hopefully, it picks up between November 1 and 2, but this year has been really tough. We might reach 60 or 70 percent of what we expected.”
The scent of cempasúchil, the orange marigold that lights altars across Mexico, fills the streets. But behind the color and fragrance, the struggle for small florists is palpable.
Competition from Supermarkets Changes the Local Market
In recent years, the presence of large retail chains and small non-specialized sellers has transformed what used to be a niche market. Supermarkets now offer floral arrangements, potted plants, and even ready-made altar decorations, directly challenging the survival of local shops that rely on seasonal peaks to balance their finances.
“They now sell pots, arrangements, and all kinds of flowers,” Vargas explained. “Even the fruit shops sell cempasúchil, and that takes away our customers. We work all year, but they only show up during this season.”
The influx of temporary vendors means that the flower market of Tulum, once dominated by small, family-run businesses, has become unpredictable. For many shop owners, the difference in operating conditions is what hurts the most.
Uneven Ground for Small Businesses
While supermarkets and informal stalls can operate without the same expenses, formal businesses must cover rent, transportation, and wages. These costs have increased notably in Quintana Roo, where inflation and tourism-driven prices continue to rise.
“The fruit sellers and street vendors don’t pay permits or have the same expenses we do,” said Keren Navarro, owner of Florería Keren. “We must cover suppliers, transport, and staff, and that leaves us with very small margins.”
For Navarro and others, the problem goes beyond competition, it’s about fairness. Many local florists argue that municipal authorities have yet to enforce clear rules that distinguish between permanent businesses and temporary pop-ups. Without those limits, they fear the local trade that has sustained Tulum’s community for decades could disappear.
A Cultural Tradition Losing Economic Ground
Every late October, cempasúchil fields across Mexico bloom in anticipation of Día de Muertos, a celebration deeply tied to remembrance and identity. For florists, the season is not only about profit, it is also about continuity. Their work supplies the flowers for altars, cemeteries, and public displays that bring color to the Riviera Maya’s most meaningful tradition.
But this year, the festive season feels different. Many florists report weaker demand and shrinking orders. Some attribute the decline to changing habits, as residents increasingly buy from supermarkets where flowers are displayed alongside groceries and candles. Others point to broader economic fatigue after a slow tourism summer.
“It feels like the celebration has become more commercial and less local,” said one florist who preferred not to be named. “People still want flowers, but they want them fast and cheap.”
Calls for Support and Local Regulation
Florists are now calling for stronger municipal oversight to ensure fair competition. They argue that seasonal stalls should be regulated, taxed, and required to meet basic standards. Local associations have also suggested that cultural initiatives during Día de Muertos should highlight the contribution of traditional flower shops, which remain central to the spirit of the celebration.
“Authorities focus on cultural and tourist events, but traditional commerce is left behind,” Vargas said. “Our flowers are in every altar, every cemetery, yet it feels like that doesn’t count.”
The Tulum Times spoke with business owners who believe a coordinated approach between municipal authorities and local trade associations could preserve both cultural heritage and small-scale entrepreneurship. For them, sustainability in tourism should also mean sustainability in local trade.
Petals of Perseverance Amid Uncertainty
Despite the challenges, many florists remain resilient. As the first days of November approach, shop owners continue to prepare dozens of marigold arrangements, hoping that residents and visitors will choose local over convenience.
Navarro, adjusting a fresh bouquet at her storefront, reflected on the meaning of persistence. “Traditions should sustain those who make them possible,” she said, arranging petals one by one, as if weaving together hope and history.
In Tulum, where commerce and culture often intersect, the story of its florists is a reminder that economic shifts can quietly reshape tradition. The cempasúchil may still bloom every year, but for many small businesses, keeping that bloom alive now takes more than sunlight, it takes community support.
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation on The Tulum Times’ social media.
Will local traditions survive if small businesses continue to fade from the Día de Muertos economy?