Did You Know? In Mexico "Halloween" is 3 Days Long!
Halloween is celebrated in the United States on October 31 every year, which happens to be this Saturday. 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 in Osage Beach 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.
Day #1 - All Hallow's 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.
Day #2 - 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.
Day #3 - 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.
"Treat" Yourself to Mexicali Blues
Bring the entire family in for dinner at our Lake of the Ozarks Mexican restaurant & cantina this Saturday night. That way, you can fill the kids' tummies with something hot, healthy, and delicious before they gorge themselves on a bag full of candy!
No kids to take out this year? Then head on over for an adults-only evening of great Mexican food and margaritas! It's an excellent way to get your night started before heading off to a Halloween party or possibly back to your house to watch some spooky movies. We are open every Tuesday-Saturday beginning at 4:00 pm. Come on in soon and treat yourself to the delicious food & drinks at Mexicali Blues.
573-302-0419
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