Day of the Dead Fragrances (Featuring Rodrigo Flores-Roux) + Día de Muertos Draw

Marigolds and candles are essential to Day of the Dead, Oaxaca, Mexico, 2017 © Jimmy Nelson

I loved Halloween as a kid. I was fascinated by the idea that it was a time that the worlds of the living and dead drew close.  My big Irish-Catholic family held dear the belief that death did not separate us from our loved ones who have died. We went to mass on both November 1st for All Saints Day and November 2nd for All Souls Day.  During the year we visited the graves of grandparents and uncles to chat, leave flowers, say hello. When a death occurred the grief was deep and sharp but not so dense as to prevent laughter from getting through. Wakes were for sharing anecdotes and funerals were always followed by a celebratory meal. I think the first time I got drunk was after my Aunt Marie’s funeral when pitchers of her beloved Manhattans flowed as freely as the old family stories.

Detail from Diego Rivera’s mural Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central, 1946-1947

My baked-in understanding of the ongoing relationship between the living and the dead allowed me to feel an immediate connection to the celebration of the Day of the Dead in Mexico when I first learned about it through a book of the paintings of Diego Rivera. The celebration can start as early as October 28th but the real heart is November 1st dedicated to children who’ve died and November 2nd when departed adults are honored. The concepts that were so fundamental to my life I found expressed in a visual language that my heart and soul responded to. My appreciation for Mexico’s Día de Muertos grew exponentially the first time I was in Mexico for the holiday and invited to a friend’s family celebration. Throughout the evening all my senses were engaged by the music, artwork, food, drink, incense, and flowers. Once in my head the memories have never left me, especially the smells. Lately I’ve started to explore fragrances that might express the different elements that go into the experience of the Day of the Dead in Mexico.

Day of the Dead altar in Mexico, © Melitón Tapia, collection of INAH

There is no one better with whom to discuss the smells of Mexico and its celebrations than Rodrigo Flores-Roux, Givaudan’s Senior Creative Perfumer. 

Master Perfumer Rodrigo Flores Roux of Givaudan

Born in Mexico he is an irrepressible champion of their indigenous botanicals and works with Mexican-grown varieties whenever he can. Marigolds (tagetes) that are the primary flowers used in Day of the Dead celebrations are endemic to Mexico. They are also known in Spanish as “flor de muertos” (flowers of death) or as cempasúchitl (pronounced sem-pa-soo-cheel) in the Aztec language Nahuatl.

Flower seller at Mexico City’s Jamaica Market © Lourdes Valeriano

“I just returned from Mexico City and the marigolds are blooming everywhere. The aroma of the Mexican marigold doesn’t differ that much from the other varieties. Like many flowers, the more they are hybrid the weaker their odor profile, although you can get beautiful blooms of yellow and red and even white marigolds. The aroma of the marigold is used sparingly in perfumery. A little goes a long way and straight marigold absolute can be unpleasant. If you are standing in a bed of marigolds the scent is fruity, fresh, green and watery and it is more pleasing than closely smelling one flower close up. That is the aspect used to complement other botanical notes.” – Rodrigo Flores-Roux

Tagetes aka Marigolds via Flickr

It is that strong, distinctive aroma that makes the flower an essential part of Día de Muertos. A path of marigolds, either laid down as a carpet of petals or standing tall in a row, lead to the home altar. Their color and scent are guides for the souls so they can find their way home, although some believe that in the afterlife only the sense of smell survives and the spirit can only be guided by strong aromas.

Copal incense and candles burn to lead the souls of the departed back to the land of the living, by Diego Rivera, 1944

Another scent that beckons the souls home on Day of the Dead is the fragrant smoke of burning the resin of the copal tree over hot coals. It is a strong and hypnotic aroma. Copal has been used in religious rites in Mexico for millennia, the word “copalli” means incense in Nahuatl. “In school I actually made a distillation of copal. The result was gummy and not really usable in perfume. When you see copal listed as a note in a fragrance it is really a copal accord, usually called white copal.  I make mine by using frankincense over which I layer earthy notes and a brighter resin of elemi. However the brain expects smoke when it is presented with copal, so smoky notes are also added to more closely replicate the experience of smelling copal. In Mexican Catholic churches the incense is primarily frankincense as it is all over the world, but copal is also burned. You get double the prayers going up into the heavens. It’s just another example of the way Mexican culture seamlessly shifts back and forth between European and pre-Hispanic traditions.” – Rodrigo Flores-Roux

“Viva la Vida” by Frida Kahlo, 1954, collection of the Museo Casa Azul

Once the soul is led home by the marigolds and copal smoke it needs food and drink. Family and friends load the ofrenda with edible delights to let the spirit know they are welcomed and loved. From the sweets and hot chocolate for the spirits of children, the “angelitos”, to the warm mole dishes and mezcal for adult souls these items add homey, enticing aromas to the altar. The spirit will only imbibe the essence of the offerings so that living family and friends are free to enjoy them after the altars are taken down. Many of these scents have found their way into gourmand fragrances.

Community ofrenda, New York City, 2017

The following twelve perfumes are expressions of my scent memories of the most fragrant elements of my visits to Mexico during Day of the Dead celebrations:

Solstice Scents Foxcroft Fairgrounds (Angela St. John) evokes sweet sugar skulls with night fires burning in the distance and a waft of vanilla passing in the air.

Orto Parisi Boccanero (Alessandro Gualtieri) reminds me of the edible chocolate skulls that are omnipresent. It is my favorite chocolate gourmand fragrance, sophisticated yet delicious like fine truffles.

Initio Parfums Prives Mystic Experience (Hamid Merati-Kashani) opens with a sweet, bread-y note that recalls pan de muertos, the slightly sweet bread decorated with crossed bones that fortifies the traveling souls.

Carlos Huber of Arqusite was born in Mexico City

Arquiste Anima Dulcis (Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Yann Vasnier) is pure Mexican hot chocolate to my nose. The notes of cacao, chili, vanilla and cinnamon are beautiful and addictive.

Carner Barcelona Palo Santo (Shyamala Maisondieu) is creamy and vanillic on my skin and brings to mind atole, a warm drink made of cornmeal, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Xinú Agua Madera (Rodrigo Flores-Roux) is like fine, sipping mezcal with its woody, smoky notes layered over the agave accord.

Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur (Bertrand Duchaufour) is trance inducing like the copal incense it is named for, grounded in earthy notes and lightened by a fresh airiness that makes it very wearable.

D. S. & Durga Italian Citrus (David Seth Moltz) is one of my favorite orange fragrances, juicy and bright.

Etat Libre d’Orange Like This (Mathilde Bijaoui) reminds me of calabaza en tacha, a dish of pumpkin baked and glazed in sweet syrup and spices.

Fueguía 1833 Ballena de la Pampa (Julian Bedel) is a nostalgic fragrance that has a tobacco note that would reminds you of your beloved grandfather’s cigar…masculine and reassuring.

Comme des Garçons White (Mark Buxton) is bright marigold (tagetes) to me blended with enough spice and wood that make it very pleasing to wear.

Mancera Coco Vanille (Pierre Montale) opens with a pleasing wax aroma, like pure burning candles in a vanilla scented room.

Disclaimer: the fragrances listed are from my own collection or samples generously provided by Osswald NYC and Aedes de Venustas. My opinions are my own.

Marianne Butler, Sr. Contributor

Editor's Note: Special mention to Indie Perfumer Shelley Waddington of En Voyage's Tagetes which was inspired the spiritual significance of the marigold flower in the rituals of Nepalese and Latin cultures. -Michelyn Camen

Worldwide: Thanks to the generosity of Angela St. John of Solstice Scents we have a 5ml bottle of Foxcroft Fairgrounds perfume oil.

US only: Thanks to the generosity of Karl Bradl and Robert Gerstner of Aedes de Venustas we have a 3.4 oz. bottle of Copal Azur.

US only: Thanks to the generosity of Europerfumes we have the choice a 50ml bottle of Etat Libre d’Orange Like This

Carner Barcelona Palo Santo

or Carner Barcelona Palo Santo

Skeletons figures known as calacas, Mexico City ©Héctor Montaño, collection of INAH

There is a draw for 3 registered readers (if you don't know if you are registered click here) for a choice of one of the fragrances listed above. To be eligible to win please leave a comment telling us what appeals to you about Marianne’s article, what intrigues you most about the Day of the Dead fragrances, specific quotes, where you live, and your choice of  perfume from the 4 that are offered ONLY.  Draw closes 11/4/2018.

Follow us on Instagram: @cafleurebon  @spritzi_mcgillacutty @rodrigofloresroux @etatlibreorange @carnerbarcelona @solsticescents @Official_europerfumes @aedes_perfumery

We announce the winners only on our website so like Cafleurebon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

× 6 = 6

56 comments

  • middleagedandmixed says:

    I enjoyed reading how Marianne's appreciation for Day of the Dead grew when having visited Mexico. I've been fortunate to visit Mexico a few times myself, and I've fallen in love. Furthermore, I love reading about fragrances that are inspired by the Day of the Dead like Initio Mystic Experience — "opens with a sweet, bread-y note that recalls pan de muertos, the slightly sweet bread decorated with crossed bones that fortifies the traveling souls" — that sounds divine. I live in Seattle, and  my choice Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur. Thanks!

  • Jolene says:

    I loved how in depth the article goes to explain the smells of Mexico. So vivid, it takes you there. This is what I like about the Day of the Dead fragrances, it takes you to a place and time; telling a story for me that is peaceful and transitional. This is a topic especially pertinent to our lives as we were with a Mexican family as their loved one passed away this week. Tears, prayer, singing, and family. It is a time to honor loved ones, appreciate our own time here, and celebrate the special memories our beloved leave behind.

    I am in the US. Choice of fragrance: Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur.

  • VerbenaLuvvr says:

    We see marigolds everywhere in the Day of the Dead celebrations, but until now I did not know their significance: “Their color and scent are guides for the souls so they can find their way home, although some believe that in the afterlife only the sense of smell survives and the spirit can only be guided by strong aromas.” The selections given are mostly gourmands, which fits well with the Day of the Dead’s celebration theme, and of course food and drink evoking strong sentimental memories of those we love. I live in the US and thank you for this draw. If selected, I would choose Etat Libre d’Orange Like This.

  • Harbinger says:

    I love the smell of marigolds and was fascinated by their connection to the Day of the Dead celebrations as well as their significance. I always learn something new here. I would love to win Palo Santo . USA

  • Yana_Tommelise says:

    What a crazy ride through these extraordinary fragrances. I’ve been wanting to try Solstice Scents for such a long time and now after description of Foxcroft Fairgrounds as sweet sugar skulls I am soo intrigued. Would love to win it. I am in Germany

  • NiceVULady says:

    Thank you to Marianne for all the information, both general and personal, regarding the Day of the Dead. I’ve been to Mexico several times, but never during the celebration of this holiday. How interesting that it is the sense of smell which guides the spirits home. I would love to win Aedes de Venutas Copal Azure. Thank you so much for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • fazalcheema says:

    This article is my intro to Mexico’s Dia De Muertos though I had heard about festivals like these before but did not know them by their local names. Rodrigo talks about marigold which reminds me that marigolds are also part of festivals in other parts of the world, especially, Asia. I liked this quote, “When a death occurred the grief was deep and sharp but not so dense as to prevent laughter from getting through”.

    My choice is Carner Barcelona Palo Santo. I am in US.

  • Monica Beaton says:

    We had a large patch of Marigolds in our garden growing up and when the hot afternoon sun hit, the smell was like no other – a mixture of pleasant and unpleasant – slightly rotten. It’s a smell I will never forget. But I have always been intrigued by the connection of fragrance and religion. Wonderful post Marianne – I’ve been to Mexico during their Day of the Dead celebrations and it’s both beautiful and ghoulish. I live in Australia. I would love to try Solstice Scents Foxcroft Fairgrounds perfume oil. Many thanks to Angela St John for this generous giveaway.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    Love the variation of scents mentioned (both perfumes and smell associations) and the mix of sacred, natural, and then warm and comforting scents. I loved Marianne referencing her “baked in” perception of the bridge between the living and the dead. Such a beautiful phrase and great variety of scents. I love marigolds and she captures their strange scent in words really well. Thanks for the draw! If I won, I’d be honored to win copal azure, like this, or Palo santo. I’m in the US.

  • Zibbyz says:

    I like the way three difference aspects of day of the dead celebrations were used to identity scents for day of the dead celebrations… The marigold, the smoky coal, and food. I have never tried atole, a warm drink of cornmeal, cinnamon, and vanilla, but now I want to find a recipe and try it! I enjoyed learning about how memories influenced M. Flores-roux and the scents he selected. I would love to win Palo Santo or Like This. Thank you for a fabulous article and lovely draw. I’m in the us

  • Steve A says:

    I enjoyed very much reading the brief descriptions of all the fragrance. Sometimes less is more. I would be pleased to win the Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur, USA

  • Ginny M says:

    I’m a Day-of-the-Dead birthday girl AND Mr. Flores-Roux is the nose behind one of my very favorite frags of all time, Black Cashmere: this article was right in my wheelhouse! The fragrances on offer all sound wonderful, but as I’ve tried Like This and PaloSanto, my choice would have to be Copal Azur by Aedes de Venustas. Thanks for another wonderful piece and for the terrific offer.

  • tooka81 says:

    I loved reading this article and learning more about the Day of the Dead celebrations, I did not know it was celebrated over 4 days and the their were separate celebrations for departed children and adults. I loved how Marianne could see the commonality between her irish catholic upbringing regarding life and death and the Mexican cultural belief and celebration of life and death.” My baked-in understanding of the ongoing relationship between the living and the dead allowed me to feel an immediate connection to the celebration of the Day of the Dead in Mexico “. the food, artwork and other aspects of the day are a lasting memory for her that she can relieve when she smells those different fragrances that she list, I love having a scent memory of happy times and I would love to win Etate Libre D”Orange Like This because it would l=be nice to smell like a glazed baked pumpkin. I live in the US.

  • roxhas1cat says:

    I sure hope the sense of smell is with us in the afterlife. I would love to see the marigolds blooming in Mexico before all the festivities. I have a sample of Boccanero, I will revisit that tonight. Love the artwork. I’d love to win the Palo Santo. USA.

  • bsouthers says:

    I really appreciated learning more not only about Day of the Dead fragrances, but also seeing the beautiful artwork in the piece. There is such a contrast – bright, beautiful colors associated with celebrating those who have gone before us. Amazing.

    This quote really sums up what I felt after reading the article and associated artwork:

    “all my senses were engaged by the music, artwork, food, drink, incense and flowers”

    I had the privilege of recently visiting Mexico City and loved learning about their culture and customs. While I was there, I was lucky enough to experience local music, food (escamoles), drink (pulque), and artwork (works by Frida Kahlo). Thank you for the very generous giveaway! I live in Ohio, USA, and would love to win Palo Santo as it sounds like an amazing fragrance which could conjure up memories of Mexico the way only a wonderful, thought-provoking fragrance can do.

  • INYA says:

    Marigolds!!! Absolutely love their scent! Fun article. I’m a huge Aedes de Venutas fan, so, Copal Azure’s my choice. Thanks for the opportunity to sniff! USA

  • cwoody says:

    What appeals to me about Marianne’s article was being able to walk through her childhood experiences. What intrigues me most about the Day of the Dead fragrances is how unique they all are. I honestly don’t know if I’ve seen such a unique group of fragrances talked about all together like this. Very cool! I would choose : Etat Libre d’Orange Like This and live in Arkansas, USA. Thank you for the opportunity!

  • doveskylark says:

    I enjoyed reading about marigolds and copal and their important roles in the Day of the Dead rituals. I thought back to my childhood and there were always marigolds growing in my family’s yard. I liked the smell because it wasn’t an obvious gorgeous smell. It was special, however.
    My choice wood be:
    Carner Barcelona Palo Santo
    I live in the USA.

  • LauraC says:

    Thank you, Marianne, for this journey through the smells of the Day of the Dead and the perfumes you associate with this day.I have never been to Mexico around this celebration, but I imagine the smell of incense, sweets, tobacco and mezcal would be intoxicating. I also loved reading a little about the history of copal. Interesting how marigolds have a ceremonial role in both Mexican and Indian culture.

    Of the perfumes in this draw, I would be most curious to smell Copal Azur. I am in the USA. Thank you!

  • audesko1 says:

    I love the beautiful artwork by the famous Rivera and Kahlo. They are also favorites of mine. The of Day of the Dead sounds like a fun and enjoyable time for families and friends to enjoy and remember the past and celebrate our ancestors. Ascent of marigolds and candy and cake sounds great. I would love to try Carner Barcelona Palo Santo. Thank you. I live in the US.

  • Diana D says:

    This interview was intriguing and the photography is breathtaking. I love the description of Etat Libre d’Orange and it would be my choice.
    I live in the USA.

  • Fusiongel says:

    Interesting read. I wasn’t aware that Marigolds hold such a special place in Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration. I’ll have to search them out the next time I visit my Aunt’s house or the local nursery. I’m a lttle surprised I didn’t see anything vetiver heavy in the Day of the Dead fragrance list. When I think of death, I think of Encre Noire. Something earthy and raw, yet reserved. In my belief system, death is just a road that we all must take. More so akin to a new beginning and not a finality. Quite similar to the love and respect as seen in the Day of the Dead celebrations. Thank you for throwing this giveaway. If I were to win, I would very much enjoy Etat Libre d’Orange Like This. Cheers from CT.

  • Rosa says:

    Thanks for the informative article! It’s one of my dream to spend the Day of the Dead in Mexico. Love delicious notes in Etat Libre d’Orange Like This.
    Thank you. USA

  • zamar says:

    Glad to read this one, opened another window for me to the day of the dead. Incense and marigold smell and color; interesting and exciting!

    Strange belief-Quote: “Their color and scent are guides for the souls so they can find their way home, although some believe that in the afterlife only the sense of smell survives and the spirit can only be guided by strong aromas”.

    My choice is Carner Barcelona-Palo Santo

    Thank you!

    TX, USA

  • Dosva says:

    Interesting article!! Thank you, Marrianne!
    I read with big interest Rodrigo’s olfactive memories about Mexico, about copal.
    I find Day of the Dead’s perfumes chois very interesting, for example I like Boccanero- woody- oudy chocolade!
    My choice is Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur.
    US

  • Jake smith says:

    Amazing article! dia de los muertos is one of my favorite holidays I am of Mexican decent but my family never really celebrated but I have always been fascinated buy it and also all things Halloween. I have sugar skulls all over my house. I would love to try fragrances that take inspiration from this very important celebration. The one I would like to try most is Carner Barcelona Palo Santo. Thank you for this wonderful article and this generous giveaway. Keep up the good work! I am from the USA in AZ.

  • Ivan.napoleon says:

    Great article best part for me” My appreciation for Mexico’s Día de Muertos grew exponentially the first time I was in Mexico for the holiday and invited to a friend’s family celebration. ”
    MIAMI Florida Thanks
    Choice of fragrance: Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur.

  • Valentine Girl says:

    Scent-sational article on celebrating die de los muertos through perfume! To celebrate day of the dead, my best friend and I create our own ofrendas to honor a musician that has already passed on, while we listen to their music. We festoon the house with calaveras & marigolds and have a huge feast with lots of tequila toasts in their honor! I love burning copal incense, so it was interesting to learn that as a fragrance note it’s really an accord called white copal. Fascinating to find out Rodrigo Flores-Roux creates his by using frankincense, elemi, and since “the brain expects smoke when it is presented with copal, smoky notes are also added to more closely replicate the experience of smelling copal.”
    I was already planning on wearing Arquiste Anima Dulcis for dia de los muertos, so I loved learning about other fragrances to try like my choice for this draw – Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur. Thank you very much for the chance. USA.

  • Harlod1557 says:

    Nice little article about The Day of The Dead. My favorite quote from the article would be, ” Once in my head the memories have never left me, especially the smells.” I think its very indicative of how we can make memories based around smells, especially something like The Day of The Dead where it is such a central part of the tradition. I can see how so many fragrances would be reminiscent of the tradition. Food is so central to the celebration (to most celebrations really) and with the recent explosion of the gourmand there is so many scents to recall those memories.
    The Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur would be my first choice, but since that seems like the most popular choice I would also be very happy to win the Like This Etat Libre d’Orange. Arizona.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    Ooh, I enjoyed learning more about the Day of the Dead, and the scents that are part of it. I especially enjoyed learning about the Mexican marigold, how it is used on this special day and how its fragrance is used as well. “straight marigold absolute can be unpleasant. If you are standing in a bed of marigolds the scent is fruity, fresh, green and watery and it is more pleasing than closely smelling one flower close up.” I’ve never stood in a marigold field but would like to experience this. Thanks for the educational article and wonderful draw! I’m in the USA and would choose the ELdO Like This.

  • Michelle says:

    Thank you for teaching me! I love to learn about other cultures. To be quite honest, the only things I knew about dia de los muertos before now were sugar skulls & what I watched on Breaking Bad. Sad, I know. I very much appreciate the education. I loved the line “Once the soul is led home by the marigolds and copal smoke it needs food and drink.” What a beautiful picture to paint in the send off of loved ones to a better place. I’m in the US & would love to win the Carner Barcelona Palo Santo.

  • Onyinye says:

    I enjoyed reading about burning the resin of the coral tree especially where it says “In Mexican Catholic churches the incense is primarily frankincense as it is all over the world, but copal is also burned. You get double the prayers going up into the heavens“. I find that interesting.

    My choice will be Copal Azur. I love the color of the bottle.
    I live in California.

  • Lori Laws says:

    I really enjoyed Marianne’s article and getting some of the history on marigold’s and their significance with the Day of the Dead. I have always seen them and had no idea what the connection was: “Their color and scent are guides for the souls so they can find their way home, although some believe that in the afterlife only the sense of smell survives and the spirit can only be guided by strong aromas.” This line intrigued me because it shows how the dead are honored. The article was very informative and educational. My choice would be Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur. Thanks for the draw and I live in the US! 🙂

  • cigano says:

    What I found most interesting about this article was the quote from Rodrigo Flores-Roux “…straight marigold absolute can be unpleasant. If you are standing in a bed of marigolds the scent is fruity, fresh, green and watery and it is more pleasing than closely smelling one flower close up.” It is interesting to me how the concentration of a fragrance can have an extreme impact on how that fragrance is perceived.
    What intrigues me the most is the use of fragrant smoke from burning the copal resin. The smell of resins is one of my favorite so naturally my choice would have to be Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur.
    Fort Lauderdale, Fl

  • Cynthia says:

    Marianne, I loved this article! I enjoy reading things that make me feel more iinformed when I walk away. Your experiences and the quotes from Rodrigo-Flores-Roux were interesting but I most enjoyed your personal collection notes, what perfumes remind you of the day. You’ve given me a lot of ideas to try. Marigolds are also very important in Indian culture, where I lived for several years, so I am always on the lookout for perfumes featuring the note but didn’t know about Comme de Garcons White (love Tagetes!). There are several others listed which I need to investigate more. I love stories about scents which evoke memories and this was a fun take on an interesting holiday. My kind house helper brought me a pan de muertos from one of the Mexican groceries here when she came yesterday, so I’m enjoying the day in spirit. Stunning images too. Truly enjoyed this brilliant article. I would love to try any of these scents (already own Like This) but in particular Palosanto. Thanks for the story and the draw.

  • Sepulveda says:

    What i really enjoyed was the education from Rodrigo Flores Roux and the understanding that the day of the dead isn’t like Halloween and there are actual offerings. The photos are wonderful too
    I would choose Carner Barcelona Palo santo

  • Vahagn says:

    Very interesting informative article!
    It was interesting to know about marigolds aroma and tradition of Copal incense’s burning.
    From Dia de Muertos perfumes list like especially Arquiste Anima Dulcis- very nice gourmand.
    I would choose Copal Azur.
    US

  • RinB says:

    Marianne’s article is so interesting. I think our modern American culture has become wary of talking too much about death, but it’s obviously something that preoccupies people (look at the obsession with vampire literature and zombie movies!). There’s a lot we can learn from cultures with traditions that are more open about the subject. In terms of fragrance, I would never have thought to associate gourmand notes with the Day of the Dead, but learning more about the traditions, it makes sense. I also thought it was interesting to read Rodrigo Flores-Roux’s comments on marigold. I’ve often though that the flowers smell quite unpleasant, as he says, but never knew that they could smell ‘fruity, fresh, green and watery’ in the abstract. I’m particularly attracted to incense scents and gourmands, so several of the Day of the Dead scents sound enticing.

    If chosen, I would choose in the following order (because I like them all!):
    Copal Azur
    Palo Santo
    Like This
    Foxcroft Fairgrounds

    Thank you for such an informative article and for the generous draw! (I’m in the US)

  • YVONNE says:

    Wow! Me encanta!
    As a Mexican reader I really appreciate you guys making this article and bringing awareness to DIA DE LOS MUERTOS which is more than halloween, and dressing up! Thank you!!! Also, I LOVE that you guys included history and accurate information !! “Mexican Catholic churches the incense is primarily frankincense as it is all over the world” This is very true!! We love burning incense this time of year, especially during holidays! Its a ritual and means a lot to us. I would love to win Copal Azur ! I am USA based. Thank you again for the great article and opportunity to win!

  • Catanosmia says:

    Great article! I grew up in California and this celebration and the smells described are familiar to me. I don’t think I’ve noticed a “fruity” aspect of marigolds but I will keep it in mind next time I have a chance to smell them. My best friend creates an ofrenda every year and the smells of marigolds, liquor, and tobacco take me right to that memory. I’ll have to add some of the fragrances listed to my ‘must sniff’ list. Thanks for the draw, I’m in the US and would choose Palo Santo or Copal Azur if I won.

  • doowtnehpets says:

    Never really associated scents with other than bad smells. It’s interesting the relationship with marigolds and copal. I knew about marigolds, just not the copal. I’d be to smell copal by itself. I’m in Albuquerque NM, USA. “Like this” from ELDO would be my choice if I were to win.

  • Yasmina says:

    This is a great and informative article and I love the accompanying artwork – Diego Rivera is a brilliant artist. I liked the description of the marigolds as scent guided to the way home. My choice would be the Aedes Copal. I live in the US

  • FearsMice says:

    I love tagetes as a note in perfume; Niki de Saint Phalle was quite a favorite of mine in the 90s. I must try the CdG White! The bright, cheerful, but humble marigold as a scent guide (along with copal) for departed spirits seems so appropriate. The four scents in this giveaway are all great; it’s difficult to choose only one. But I must, so I’ll go with Like This. I’m in the US; thank you.

  • Scabby says:

    Marianne and I have so much in common. Halloween is still my favorite holiday of the year. Now I just continue and live Halloween thru my kids. All I still do is eat their candy lol.

    My choice should I win would be Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur

    I live in the US. Thanks for the giveaway.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    Never been to Mexico and i’m not familiar with Día de Muertos and all the traditions and rituals , so Marianne article was interesting.Love reading about other cultures and traditions – especially this:
    “You get double the prayers going up into the heavens. It’s just another example of the way Mexican culture seamlessly shifts back and forth between European and pre-Hispanic traditions.” – Rodrigo Flores-Roux”
    I do follow all of you on Instagram @cafleurebon @spritzi_mcgillacutty @rodrigofloresroux @etatlibreorange @carnerbarcelona @solsticescents @Official_europerfumes @aedes_perfumery
    I’d like to win Palo Santo
    Thank you for this draw
    Virginia

  • Hasib says:

    Enjoyed the article and the scents of Mexico during the event. Not too familiar with gourmand type fragrances. If I got a chance I’d go with Copal Azur followed by Like This. Thanks
    U.S

  • Chose says:

    Growing up in a Mexican/Mexican American neighborhood Dia de los Muertos is not new me. Marianne’s description of the “sweet, bread-y note” of Initio Parfums Prives Mystic Experience and the “creamy vanillic..atole” of Palo Santo combined reminds me of my childhood and well into my teen years running from house to house on my block viewing the family altars of the dead, eating tamales and various sweet breads and sneaking sips of pulque. Great visuals and great read.

    If I should win I would choose in this order Palo Santo I, Copal Azur, Like This, and Foxcroft Fairgrounds. Here in California

  • zazazelle says:

    “In the afterlife only the sense of smell survives and the spirit can only be guided by strong aromas” – I learned a lot from this article. About the marigolds, copal azur and palo santo. I recently bought the essential oil of marigolds and it is very intoxicating, a bit boozy, smells like irish cream liqueur. I am planning to finally try out my palo santo sticks and copal incense, but still waiting for a special moment and mood.

    The description of FOXCROFT FAIRGROUNDS by Angela St. John of Solstice Scents sounds very appealing to me, so that is my choice (I live in the EU). Many thanks for the draw!!

  • Melissa Brewster says:

    This is one of my favorite articles and Marianne really brought me tinmexici sndcti the souls wanderimg home
    The decrypting of copal by mr Flores Roux was fascinating and I would choose aedes copal Azur

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    To be honest i’m not very found of Halloween and similar celebrations.Unlike Marianne i always hated Halloween as a kid.
    Never been to Mexico , but i do have mexican friends i know how passionate they about traditions and so called Day of the Dead.I also know how they mix … so to speak Christianity and “pre-Hispanic traditions”.
    As i said – never been there , but i love the smell of marigolds and i own and love quite a few Rodrigo Flores Roux fragrances , and i know he loves balsamic and incense – Sahara Noir is one of my all time favorite fragrances…sadly discontinued 🙁 I do follow him on IG too , but he’s not active at all.
    I’ll check all the profiles i do not follow.
    50ml bottle of Etat Libre d’Orange Like This is the one i’d like to have in my collection.
    Cheers from VA

  • jeremyn87 says:

    I’ve been to some Dia de Muertos celebrations before, but never smelled any incense or flowers along with it. Never occurred to me that it was part of the celebration. It has some cool symbolic idea though.
    I like the dark and resinous nature of some of these fragrances. Seems to fit the quote of “to the warm mole dishes and mezcal for adult souls these items add homey, enticing aromas to the altar” especially with Mezcal, since it’s so smokey. Though mole is very complex and dark too.

    Im in the US. thanks for the draw
    If I win, Id like Copal Azur

  • bumbuliuki says:

    Thank you Marianne for sharing your experience !
    I don’t usually celebrate Halloween, but I’m somehow fond of Dia de Muertos. I like the spirituality and tradition behind it.It’s a bit similar with our local tradition of visiting the resting places of our relatives a week after Easter.
    I’d like to experience this mexican tradition the first time I’ll visit the country.
    Etat Libre d’Orange Like This, with it’s spiced, baked pumpkin seems like the perfect fragrance for this ocassion.
    Foxcroft Fairgrounds perfume oil sounds great, would like to sample it.

    Thank you for the article and the generous draw.
    I’m in the EU.

  • minteacup says:

    Oddly enough, I was not a huge fan of Halloween as a little kid, but over time I grew increasingly fond of it and interested in different observations of analogous holidays. I think most of us in the US have noticed an increasing number of Dia de los Muertos themed merchandise and costumes in recent years, but checking out the plastic sugar skulls at the local big box store is far removed from the experience of being surrounded by the sights, sounds, and tastes of the celebration. Marianne, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on Dia de los Muertos. Of course, I also enjoyed reading about the associated fragrances too.. I learned something new about how copal accords are put together in perfume!

    I love copal, so I’d love to win Aedes de Venustas Copal Azur. Tough choice though, because Carner Barcelona’s Palo Santo sounds nearly as enticing! I’m in the US, thanks for the draw.

  • helenlam says:

    I always love learning more about the Day of the Dead celebrations and how holidays resonate for every individual person. I like the list of the different scents resonanting with different areas of the Day of the Dead holiday. I haven’t had Calabria de tacha in years, but I remember loving it and the spice mix used to make it.

    I live in the US, and my choice is Etat Libre d’Orange Like This, though the other 2 scents for the US sound lovely too!

  • spritzi says:

    Thank you everyone for the kind comments. I was happy to share my thoughts about our remembrances of the dead. Good luck in the draw! -Marianne