### Merchants in Tijuana’s Central Zone Face Sales Slump During Halloween and Day of the Dead
Merchants in the bustling central zone of Tijuana have reported a significant downturn in sales this year during the Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations. Sales have dropped by as much as 50% for items such as costumes, sweets, and sugar skulls, according to vendors in the area.
Alicia Quiroz, who works at a candy store located on Avenida Constitución, noted that the best-selling items this year have been marigold flowers, sugar skulls, traditional offerings, and decorative paper. “Compared to previous years, sales have been very low. It used to be busier, but this year there seems to be a lot of competition, or perhaps the traditions are fading,” Quiroz remarked. She also mentioned that the price of sugar skulls increased by about 30% due to higher production costs.
Edwin Torres Ramos, who operates two costume stalls, echoed these concerns, stating that his sales have decreased by around 30%. “Last year, the sales were about an eight out of ten. We hope to recover during Christmas,” Torres Ramos said. Despite the general decline, face paint, priced between 40 and 80 pesos, has been particularly popular, along with pumpkin buckets for collecting candy. Masks modeled after movie characters like Ghostface and Pennywise are also hot sellers, ranging from 80 to 150 pesos.
Most costume buyers are purchasing for children, although some adults also stop by to shop. Both Quiroz and Torres Ramos anticipate a return to normal sales after Halloween, with a possible continued demand for marigold flowers.
### Ongoing Concerns and Recommendations for Halloween Festivities in Tijuana
As Tijuana gears up for Halloween, local public safety officials have issued a series of recommendations to prevent incidents during the celebrations. With decreased public transport services anticipated on Halloween night, there’s an additional layer of complexity this year.
Officials are urging residents to plan their transportation in advance, as the demand for camiones (buses) is expected to be high due to many heading to the city center for festivities. “The return journey will be challenging due to limited bus services,” commented local official Gutiérrez.
Adding to the preparations, the Archbishop of Tijuana has scheduled a special mass for the Day of the Dead, dedicated to the memory of the city’s missing persons. Meanwhile, municipal services are putting the finishing touches on the new Municipal Cemetery 14, which is expected to be ready by year’s end with ongoing development of facilities.
In summary, the combination of decreased sales, transport concerns, and community events underscores the complex dynamics Tijuana faces during this festive period.