For generations, Mexican flower farmers have cultivated the flower as a significant source of income. Small farms are sometimes managed exclusively by family members. Others hire day laborers to manage the larger fields. They sell to individuals or flower vendors who then sell at large and small city markets. Markets dedicated exclusively to selling flowers is not uncommon in and around Mexico City. Rows of vendors can be seen selling from the back of their trucks or small stands. Tropical flowers from Chiapas, wild flowers and gerber daisies from Toluca or Texcoco as well as medicinal flowers and roses can be found in one market. Exquisite flowers, such as the Calla Lily are sold for roughly 80 pesos per bunch and other more common flowers for a third less. The most important days for both the flower farmers and vendors are May 10th, Dia de las Madres (Mother's Day), February 14th, El DÃa del Amor y la Amistad, (Day of the Love and the Friendship or Valentines Day), November 1st, The Dia de los Muertos, (The Day of the Dead) and December 12th, Nuestra Señora de la fiesta de Guadalupe, Our Lady of Guadalupe's feast day. Most of their annual income derives from sales on these days.
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