Having seen how these crazy Americans do their own Guy-Fawkes-esque celebrations at Zozobra festival (even tho, obviously, it’s nothing to do with Guy Fawkes) it was now time to see how to throw the ultimate Hallowe’en party, American-stylie.
Here in America Hallowe’en lasts a week and a classic costume is most often a zombie or some form of evil fairy or witch, but it’s not just the scary costumes that get the most attention. Even Bavarian Beer Wenches Hot Dogs and…jars of mustard…can be seen around Albuquerque city during this crazy week.
Now most of us are familiar with Hallowe’en, but the interesting thing about Hallowe’en in America, especially in the South-Western States, is that it runs very close to Dia de Los Muertos, or ‘Day of the Dead’ in Spanish.
One of Mexico’s most important festivals, it is basically dedicated to celebrating the lives of the departed which may seem an odd topic for a celebration. This festival has its origins in ancient Aztec beliefs and rituals, and despite the Spanish Conquistadors trying their hardest to destroy the festival (they even changed the date from early August to November 1st and 2nd to coincide with Catholic religious dates) it is still going strong to this day and has even filtered into Northern American culture, particularly along the South-West States.
The Adventures of Elle Coco 