Botanic Garden Creates a Stunning Floral Carpet for Día de Los Muertos

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden will incorporate the beauty of tradition, culture, and botanicals for Día de Los Muertos, Oct. 28-Nov. 2. Widely observed in Hispanic cultures, Día de Los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, is a tradition where the living prepare for and celebrate the souls of the departed.

As a part of the Garden’s presentation, guests will be able to enjoy more than 46,000 marigolds (Taishan Orange & Coco Gold) that will be “rolled out” to create a show-stopping “carpet” down the Rose Garden stairs. These strongly scented flowers are believed to help deceased ancestors find their way home to the ofrendas prepared for them in conjunction with this special day. Ofrendas, or offerings, typically include food, photos, and mementos that are displayed on an altar with candles and incense. Garden guests are welcome to bring non-food items to add to the altar located at the Shelter House near the marigold exhibit.

Visitors will also be able to see more than 300 hand-painted wooden bricks that will line the marigold carpet. Several community organizations partnered with the Garden last year to create these beautiful pieces of art. They include  Artes de la Rosa, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (FW Chapter), Fort Worth Sister Cities (Toluca Committee), Federación de Clubes Zacatecanos de Fort Worth, Mana de North Texas, All Saints Catholic Church, Carrillo Funeral Home, and the Kimbell Art Museum.

Additionally, two trajineras, or colorful boats used to navigate the canals surrounding the floating gardens of Xochimilco (a borough south of Mexico City), will be on display near the marigold carpet. The boats were constructed by Garden volunteer Don Irwin and painted and decorated by Garden staff and members of the Garden !Celebramos! committee.

Inside the Garden Center, volunteer Cathy Kyle, has installed a beautiful example of a Mexican folk art calaca (skeleton). Titled La Diosa, this unique piece of living art features a succulent-covered dress accented with gomphrena plants from FWBG. Cathy has also been an instrumental part of creating the Garden’s breathtaking marigold display.

As of Oct. 1, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the fall and winter. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children (6-15), and free for children 5 and under. For more information, visit FWBG.org.