Mexico's Version of Halloween Lasts 3 Entire Days

Halloween will be here in just a couple of weeks. It is celebrated in the United States on October 31 every year. In Mexico, however, they extend their holiday into a 3-day celebration ending with Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 2. Since you trust Mexicali Blues to bring you the best Mexican food at the Lake of the Ozarks, we decided to also share the details about this wonderful Mexican tradition with you in today's blog.  



All Hallows' Eve
Mexico combines All Hallow's Eve on October 31, All Saints' Day on November 1, and the Day of the Dead on November 2 into one big 3-day-long celebration. Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy on All Hallows' Eve, much like children in the United States do for Halloween. Instead of saying "Trick or Treat" when doors are opened, they instead shout "Queremos Halloween!" (We want Halloween!) 

The day is referred to as All Hallows' Eve because it falls on the day before All Saints' Day, and the word "hallow" means "saint." The word "Halloween" or "Hallowe'en" is actually a contraction of Hallows' Evening. 

All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day on November 1 can also be referred to as the Day of the Innocents and is sometimes called the Day of the Little Angels. This day is set aside to remember and honor children and infants that have passed away. 

The Day of the Dead
November 2 is observed as a day to honor and pray for all friends and family members that have passed away. People in Mexico believe this aids in the spiritual journey of the deceased. Visits to cemeteries are made and private altars are built which contain the favorite things of the person being honored. This is done in the hopes that their souls will be encouraged to visit.   



This remembrance of the dead is a very festive occasion in Mexico with many festivals and parties surrounding it. A common symbol of this holiday is the skull. People wear masks or paint their faces in elaborate ways to resemble a skull. Sugar or chocolate skulls are made as gifts for both the dead and the living. Candied pumpkin is another popular treat, and so is pad de muerto (bread of the dead) which is a type of sweet roll. Mexican cempasuchil, or marigolds, are the traditional flowers used. 



Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year, so you can "treat" yourself to a lunch or dinner of your favorite Mexican food or possibly Happy Hour with some fresh chips and salsa and the best margaritas at the Lake of the Ozarks. Since Mexico celebrates 3 days in a row, you might consider coming in to see us at Mexicali Blues 3 days in a row too! There's more than enough variety on the menu for you to enjoy something deliciously different each time that you do!  



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