Are you ready for the brightest season of the year?
In 2025, the Day of the Dead is expected to be one of Mexico’s most significant and representative celebrations, with more than 400 cultural activities and a record production of 6.3 million marigold flowers in Mexico City alone, according to the local government.
For candle manufacturers, this represents not only a time-honored tradition but also a concrete opportunity for growth and visibility across Latin America.
A Tradition That Drives a Market
Celebrated from November 1 to 2, the Day of the Dead is a fusion of Indigenous heritage and contemporary devotion.
As reported by N+ Noticias (Selene Alonzo Romero, 2025), preparations begin as early as October 28, when families set up the first offerings for those who passed away tragically.
For a full week, homes, schools, cemeteries, and public squares are adorned with illuminated altars, where candles play their most symbolic role: guiding the return of loved ones.
According to Mexico City’s head of government, Clara Brugada Molina, local marigold production in Xochimilco represents “a story of agricultural and cultural resistance,” while also strengthening the rural economy and local production chains.
This same spirit of identity and local production also inspires candle makers, who each year develop special lines to accompany Mexican offerings.
Candles That Give Life to Memory
Candles are more than spiritual symbols: they are the luminous heart of every altar.
During the 2025 Day of the Dead, traditional votive candles are expected to be widely used, alongside a growing demand for scented and decorative candles—particularly among younger consumers seeking to blend spirituality with contemporary aesthetics.
According to Mexico City’s Ministry of Culture, five million people are expected to participate in official events. This means thousands of candles lit on altars, in cemeteries, and across public spaces.
For manufacturers, the challenge lies in anticipating demand, ensuring supply availability, and offering durable, safe products with local identity.
Xochimilco: A Model of Sustainability
In 2025, the borough of Xochimilco will once again be a hub for marigold production, with over 6.3 million flowers cultivated.
The focus on local agriculture and environmental responsibility reflects a trend also seen in the candle market: responsible consumption and sustainable products.
For Latin American manufacturers, this presents a clear opportunity to differentiate themselves through authenticity and low-impact artisanal production.
Monumental Offerings, Culture, and High Volume
Mexico City’s Zócalo will host a monumental offering dedicated to Tonantzin, and six additional mega-altars will be installed in various boroughs, including Xochimilco, Mixquic, Azcapotzalco, and Gustavo A. Madero, according to N+ Noticias.
These spaces require continuous lighting over several days, creating strong institutional demand for durable and uniform candles.
For manufacturers, this is an ideal time to explore agreements with local governments, universities, and cultural organizers.
Trends for Latin American Manufacturers
The international rise of the Day of the Dead—with celebrations in cities such as Madrid and Paris, according to the Ministry of Tourism—opens new opportunities for export and collaboration for Latin American producers.
Candles inspired by marigolds, skull motifs, or Mexican artisanal designs are increasingly appealing to foreign markets, especially when tied to narratives of tradition and sustainability.
Igniting Tradition, Lighting Up the Candle Business
The 2025 Day of the Dead reaffirms that this holiday not only honors memory but also showcases Mexico’s creative and economic potential.
For candle manufacturers, it is the right time to combine cultural identity with business strategy: offering products that respect tradition while meeting evolving consumer expectations.
Each flame lit on an altar represents a tribute, a story—and for the industry—a chance to grow with purpose.
Because lighting up memory can also be a way to spark the future.
