Flower Paths, a fusion of culture and nature

In our trend section, learn about the importance of the ephemeral urban art in “Flower Paths, a fusion of culture and nature” with Luis Jorge Montalvo y Andrea Conde Correa.

Currently, we find different types of artistic expressions related to nature and that are part of the identity of each community. An example of this are the “Paseos de las Flores” (Flower Paths), which have had a significant presence in various public spaces on the Yucatán Peninsula since 2016, specifically in Mérida, Umán, Valladolid, and Izamal.

These interventions are an ancestral Mexican cultural expression called “alfombrismo”, which has its origins in Huamantla, Tlaxcala, but has expanded to different states in the Mexican Republic. These manifestations of ephemeral art consist of a monumental carpet accompanied by sculptures that together seek to convey a specific message as well as generate a collective atmosphere of coexistence, exchange, dialogue, and cultural appropriation.

Escultura de perro xoloitzcuintle entre flores /
Xoloitzcuintle dog sculpture between flowers

Fotografía / Photography:
Adriana Beatriz Correa González

There are different techniques that can be used: they can be made with painted sawdust, cut flowers, seeds, petals, and live plants. The idea of carrying out these exhibitions in the peninsula comes from the floral carpets that were made in Atlixco, Puebla; however, these ceased to be produced in 2020, so currently, the multiple Flower Paths made with live plants in Yucatán are the only ones of this kind in the country.

The Flower Walks represent socio-cultural values expressed through nature, exerting a significant impact on urban well-being and quality of life.

To create these displays, more than 30 thousand flowers of different types are used, such as the marigolds (Tagetes erecta), petunias (Petunia), lithospermum (Lithospermum distichum), ageratums (Ageratum houstonianum), kalanchoes (Kalanchoe), and carissa (Carissa), all in various flower colors. It is important to choose species that are resistant to the hot climate of the region and it’s worth mentioning that once the exposition time it’s over, the flowers are given to the people who are present.

In November 2023, the city of Mérida hosted the commemorative Flower Path for the Day of the Dead. It was located in Pasaje Revolución, next to the Cathedral. On that occasion, we could observe statues of “animas” made with flowers, as well as “catrinas” and a representation of the mayan backyard or courtyard, using season-themed flowers and corn plantations.

Paseo Navideño de las Flores en Umán /
Christmas Flower Path in Umán

Fotografía / Photography:
Gobierno del Estado

In December, an intervention took place in the new La Plancha park, where we observed Christmas sculptures of various characters made with different plants and flowers, such as the typical poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima).

Catrina en el Paseo de las
Flores del Día de los Muertos /
Catrina in the Flower Path of
the Day of the Dead

Fotografía / Photography:
Adriana Beatriz
Correa González

The presence of flowers and vegetation in urban environments not only beautifies the city but has also been shown to have positive effects on people’s mental and emotional health. Additionally, by serving as meeting points, they encourage social interaction, creating pleasant spaces where the community can gather, socialize, and enjoy the serenity offered by nature amidst the city bustle. In essence, they not only contribute to urban aesthetics but also promote the formation of healthier and more connected communities.

Paleta floral en el parque de La Plancha /
Floral palette in La Plancha park

Fotografía / Photography:
Jennifer Miranda

In conclusion, the Flower Paths represent a series of socio-cultural values expressed through nature and floral arrangements in public spaces designated for specific communities. These places have a significant impact on urban well-being and the resident´s quality of life.