WYOMING, Mich. — Communities across West Michigan and around the world are preparing to celebrate Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

Rooted in Mexican culture, the holiday blends Indigenous culture with Catholic practices. Families often create ofrendas, or altars, decorated with photos of passed loved ones, candles, Cempasúchitl [marigolds], sugar skulls and the favorite foods of those being remembered.

This is also the peak busy season for Guelatao Products in Wyoming.

Nerida Lopez, the owner, says she orders marigolds in bulk straight from Mexico each year. They arrive in several crates, creating a sea of orange at the entrance of her store.

In addition to the flowers, Lopez sells all of the traditional pieces for an ofrenda. She says many of her customers say her store is a slice

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