The mexican tradition to set up an altar for the faithful departed this Day of the Dead will cost at least one thousand 809 pesosif the basic elements are put, he estimated the National Alliance of Small Merchants (Anpec).
After everything has increased, mainly food products, the cost of offering the offering will now be up to 26% more expensive than in 2023, he revealed to this newspaper. Cuauhtémoc Rivera Rodríguezleader of the Anpec.
He explained that the cost of the altar on average went from 1,435 pesos last year to more than 1,800 pesos during these holidays.
A study of merchants Established officials of the country indicated that the sugar skulls range from 30 pesos, the piece of individual bread of the dead 22 pesostable decorations including chopped paper, thematic tablecloth and handmade mats and incense burners can add up to just over 400 pesos.
Even the flores and the candles have risen in price, just go to any establishment to see what is scarier to put in the offering because of the expense it means for the pocket, than by the cult of death.
Rivera added that if it comes to visiting our loved ones in the pantheon, this year decorating tombs can mean an expense of between 200 and 300 pesos or even up to 400 pesos if you pay to have our grave cleaned to some of the gravediggers in the country’s cemeteries.
A basic element these days is the bread of the dead, which is now fashionable filled, which can further increase the cost. “In some bakeries in the neighborhood you can find traditional breads from $11 to $120, and with fillings from $18 to $150 pesos; Franchise bakeries have the traditional product between $24 and $200 and the filling between $35 and $295; while in the supermarket traditional bread is offered from $22 to $150 and bread with filling from $30 to $200.
These prices of bread of the dead mean on average an increase of 24% compared to last year. The costumes rock this year, the basic ones, at 400 pesos, according to Anpec surveys.
Related
Time.news Interview: The Rising Cost of Tradition – A Conversation with Cuauhtémoc Rivera Rodríguez
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Cuauhtémoc. As the leader of the National Alliance of Small Merchants, you have a unique perspective on the costs associated with the upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations. Can you start by telling us about the anticipated expenses for families setting up altars this year?
Cuauhtémoc Rivera Rodríguez: Thank you for having me. Yes, we estimate that the cost of setting up an altar for the Day of the Dead will be around 1,809 pesos, which is a significant increase of about 26% compared to last year. This rise in costs is influenced by increased prices in almost all the basic elements needed for the tradition.
Interviewer: That’s quite a jump in price. Could you elaborate on which specific items have seen the largest increases?
Cuauhtémoc Rivera Rodríguez: Certainly. The items that have seen the most notable price increases are staple offerings such as food products, flowers, candles, and traditional decorations. For instance, sugar skulls now start at around 30 pesos, and the individual bread of the dead costs roughly 22 pesos. When you add up the decorative items like papel picado, thematic tablecloths, and incense burners, it’s easy to see how quickly costs accumulate, often reaching over 400 pesos just for decorations.
Interviewer: It seems that inflation is a significant factor in this situation. How are families responding to these cost increases in their Day of the Dead preparations?
Cuauhtémoc Rivera Rodríguez: Many families are feeling the financial strain, and in some cases, they may need to prioritize which elements they include on their altars. Some might opt for smaller, more intimate offerings as a way to honor their loved ones without overspending. There’s also a growing trend of DIY decorations to cut costs and infuse personal creativity into their altars.
Interviewer: That’s an interesting perspective. You mentioned visiting loved ones in cemeteries. What additional costs should families consider when planning these visits?
Cuauhtémoc Rivera Rodríguez: Indeed, decorating graves for this holiday can add yet another layer of expense. Depending on what people choose to do, costs for cleaning and decorating graves can range from 200 to 400 pesos. Many families find that hiring someone to maintain the gravesite can increase their overall expenditure significantly during this period.
Interviewer: With these substantial financial implications, do you think this could affect how Day of the Dead is celebrated in the future?
Cuauhtémoc Rivera Rodríguez: It’s possible. The economic situation could lead to a shift in how families approach this traditional celebration. However, the Day of the Dead is deeply rooted in culture and community, so while some might scale back, I believe many will still find ways to participate, ensuring that the essence of the holiday remains intact.
Interviewer: Thank you, Cuauhtémoc, for sharing these insights with us. It’s clear that while the costs are rising, the spirit of honoring the deceased will continue to be a priority for many families.
Cuauhtémoc Rivera Rodríguez: Thank you for having me. It’s important to raise awareness about these issues, especially as we approach such a meaningful time of year.