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Halloween Costume Party Ideas: Customs around the World:
Mexico, Latin American and Spain
 Amongst
the Spanish-speaking countries, the holiday
that we call Halloween is known
as "El Dia de los Muertos." It is a joyous and happy
holiday...a time to remember friends and family who
have died. Officially commemorated on November 2
(All Souls' Day), the three-day celebration actually
begins on the evening of October 31
In Mexico "Dia de Los Muertos" (Day of the Dead) is
celebrated very joyfully -- and colorfully. A
special altar, called an ofrenda, is made just for
these days of the dead (1 and 2 November). It has at
least three tiers, and is covered with pictures of
Saints, pictures of and personal items belonging to
dead loved ones, skulls, pictures of cavorting
skeletons (calaveras), marigolds, water, salt,
bread, and a candle for each of their dead (plus one
extra so no one is left out). Chicanos will make a
special bread just for this day, Pan de Muerto,
which is sometimes baked with a toy skeleton inside.
The one who finds the skeleton will have "good
luck." This bread is eaten during picnics at the
graves along with tamales, cookies, and chocolate.
They also make brightly-colored skulls out of sugar
to place on the family altars and give to children.
Below are recipes for these
sugar
skulls.
Designed to
honor the dead who are believed to return to their
homes on Halloween, many families construct an altar
in their home and decorate it with candy, flowers,
photographs, fresh water and samples of the
deceased's favorite foods and drinks.
Frequently, a
basin and towel are left out in order that the
spirit can wash prior to indulging in the feast.
Candles are incense are burned to help the departed
find his or her way home. Relatives also tidy the
gravesites of deceased family members, including
snipping weeds, making repairs and painting. The
grave is then adorned with flowers, wreaths or paper
streamers. Often, a live person is placed inside a
coffin which is then paraded through the streets
while vendors toss fruit, flowers and candies into
the casket. On November 2, relatives gather at the
gravesite to picnic and reminisce. Some of these
gatherings may even include tequila and a mariachi
band although American Halloween customs are
gradually taking over this celebration. In Mexico
during the Autumn, countless numbers of Monarch
butterflies return to the shelter of Mexico's oyamel
fir trees. It was the belief of the Aztecs that
these butterflies bore the spirits of dead
ancestors.
Sugar Skulls
2 cups powdered sugar
1 egg white
1 TBSP. corn syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup cornstarch
colored icing
1 fine paintbrush
Sift powdered sugar. Mix the egg white, corn syrup,
and vanilla in a very clean bowl, then add the
powdered sugar with a wooden spoon. When almost
incorporated, start kneading with the tip of your
fingers until you can form a small ball. Dust with
cornstarch on board. Keep on kneading until smooth,
then form into skull shapes. Let dry completely,
then paint with colored icing, including the names
of the people you are giving them to.
Today is a good day to not only remember the dead
spiritually, but to tell your children about their
ancestors. Bring out those old photo albums and
family trees! Write down your family's stories for
your children and grandchildren! Impress upon them
the importance of their ancestors!
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