As Mother's Day approaches in Mexico, flower merchants are bracing for a significant surge in prices, with expectations that costs will double on May 10, 2025. This year, the demand for flowers, coupled with a shortage of certain species and rising supplier costs, are driving these price hikes to unprecedented levels.
Rosa Domínguez, a flower merchant based in Metepec, explained that the increases are typical for this time of year. She noted that while prices have already started to rise, the actual peak will occur on the day of the celebration itself. “Look, since this week, the flowers have gone up, not by much, but you can feel it. For example, a bouquet that used to cost 150 pesos is now around 200. But on the 10th, the actual day, it will easily double to 300 or more because everyone is looking for them and there aren’t many left,” Domínguez shared.
As the demand for flowers skyrockets, certain varieties, particularly roses, are quickly selling out, further exacerbating the price increases. Domínguez mentioned that merchants typically sell three times more flowers in the days leading up to Mother's Day. “From the 8th or 9th, sales start to pick up, but the 10th is when everything sells out. People buy whatever they can, even if it’s expensive. Roses, for instance, go fast, and since there aren’t many left, suppliers charge more,” she added.
To ensure they have enough inventory, many vendors placed orders with suppliers as early as April. They reported that wholesalers increase their prices weeks before the holiday, forcing them to plan ahead. “I organize my orders from April because if I wait until May, it gets really expensive. Since I’ve been working with my supplier for a while, I have that advantage. Right now, what used to cost me 100 pesos is now around 160 or more. And just wait for the day itself; everything goes up without warning. But people come to make sure they don’t leave empty-handed for their mothers,” she concluded.
The economic impact of Mother's Day in the State of Mexico is substantial. The Secretariat of the Field of the State of Mexico reported that the region will supply 80% of the national flower market for this date. Out of the 7,300 hectares dedicated to floral cultivation, more than 2,300 hectares will be specifically used to meet the demand for May 10. This activity is expected to generate an economic spillover of approximately 2,215 million pesos. Furthermore, the National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism of the Toluca Valley (CANACO SERVYTUR) anticipates that the celebration will create an economic impact exceeding 3,500 million pesos in the region, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, cemeteries across San Luis Potosí are preparing for the expected influx of visitors on Mother's Day. The City Council has announced special operations to manage the anticipated crowds at municipal cemeteries. The Municipal Services Directorate reported that they have already collected 200 tons of waste from the Saucito, Españita, and Milpillas cemeteries, with an additional 150 tons expected to be collected over the weekend.
Christian Azuara, head of the Municipal Services Directorate, stated that various departments, including the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, will collaborate in these efforts. They aim to ensure the safety of attendees and maintain order during the busy holiday. Azuara emphasized that police will be stationed outside cemeteries to facilitate traffic and prevent incidents while monitoring vendors to ensure compliance with regulations.
In Los Cabos, Mother's Day is projected to generate an economic spillover of 200 million pesos on May 10, 2025. The National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco) estimates that Baja California Sur will see a total economic impact of 400 million pesos, with a national increase of at least 10%, bringing the total projected spillover to 88 billion pesos. Vicente Ruiz Piña, president of the Canaco in the region, highlighted that products such as chocolates, clothing, perfumes, dinners in restaurants, and food and beverages for home celebrations are expected to be in high demand.
Ruiz Piña noted that at least half of the economic activity generated during this celebration will be concentrated in Los Cabos. “This is a significant percentage, at least 50%. There will be a notable increase in purchases specific to Mother's Day,” he stated. Additionally, the grocery sector is set to benefit from a more than 20% increase in sales of products like soft drinks and snacks, which are popular during family gatherings associated with the holiday.
In Pachuca, residents are preparing to celebrate Mother's Day with gifts ranging from 200 to over 1,500 pesos. Denisse Gómez shared her plans to give her mother flowers, take her out to eat, and buy her earrings, estimating her total expenditure to exceed 1,500 pesos. Meanwhile, María Lagos mentioned she had already purchased a gift for her mother for over 200 pesos and plans to buy her shoes for more than 300 pesos.
Flor Portes and Nancy Márquez, on the other hand, have yet to decide on their gifts but expect to spend around 500 pesos. In a recent survey of the city center, various prices for potential gifts were noted, including two thermal tights for 100 pesos, a belt for 50 pesos, and decorated mugs or chocolates for 50 pesos. More expensive options include a dozen roses priced at 250 pesos, kitchen sets ranging from 1,500 to 3,200 pesos, and appliances such as stoves starting at 5,990 pesos, refrigerators at 6,999 pesos, and washing machines at 7,170 pesos.
May 10, 2025, is not only Mother's Day in Mexico but also marks World Lupus Day and World Migratory Bird Day. The former aims to raise awareness of lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting connective tissues, while the latter celebrates migratory birds and their conservation. On this day in history, notable events include the birth of Mexican composer Quirino Mendoza in 1862 and the investiture of Nelson Mandela as South Africa's first black president in 1994.
As the celebrations unfold, the economic impact of Mother's Day is felt across various sectors, with flowers, gifts, and family gatherings driving significant spending. The day serves as a reminder of the deep cultural significance of honoring mothers in Mexico, alongside the broader recognition of important global observances.
