Halloween in Mexico

Halloween is one of those North of the Border traditions that is a little confusing here in Mexico.

If you ask any starch Catholic Mexican they will say Halloween is not here and the government is working hard to ensure that it does not come here.

But in my community, only the Mexican families have Halloween decorations. We went out to dinner last night to a Mexican restaurant and they had Day of the Dead and Halloween decorations. The stores have a small area of costumes and candy for Halloween.

A friend of Kristen's is going Trick or Treating and they said that they meet people on the streets where they are waiting with their candy to give out. I was told that the chant was I want Halloween by the children instead of Trick or Treat.

The Day of the Dead is a tradition that is wonderful on the surface but is based on fear and retribution. They honour the dead in their family, remembering the essence of them with their food preferences, their loves in life and music. It is a personal celebration of those who are gone. But the belief is that if you don't do it then the dead will come and wreak havoc with your life.

Mexico is becoming more and more North American but they are still hanging onto their traditions. It is so wonderful to see the balance.

Tonight we are going to a grown up Halloween Party. Kristen made the decision on the costumes. She wants to be a cat, and has decided to be Coco and she wants me to dress as a man, or my father. Not sure if it is ghoulish or a mix of both traditions. Halloween and Day of the Dead all rolled together. Hmmmm.