Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos in Style!

Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead, celebrated November 1st and 2nd — is one of the most beautiful family traditions in the world. Far from being "Mexican Halloween," it's a joyful celebration of the loved ones who came before us: their favorite foods, their stories, their photos, their music. Here's how families can celebrate meaningfully and stylishly.

Start With the Heart: The Ofrenda

The centerpiece of the celebration is the ofrenda, a home altar honoring departed family members. Build one together as a family:

• Photos of the loved ones you're remembering
• Their favorite things — a grandmother's recipe card, a grandfather's cap, favorite candies
• Cempasúchil (marigolds) — the vivid orange flowers whose scent is said to guide spirits home
• Candles, papel picado, and pan de muerto if your local bakery makes it

Telling one story about each person on the ofrenda is the whole point — kids remember these stories forever.

Sugar Skull Crafts for Kids

Calaveras — decorated skulls — are the holiday's most recognizable art. Kid-friendly versions: decorate paper skull cutouts with markers and sequins, ice skull-shaped cookies in bright colors, or paint small papier-mâché skulls. Bright, ornate, and joyful is the style — this is a celebration of life.

Dress the Part, Respectfully

Elegant calavera face paint and marigold flower crowns are the traditional look for festivals and community events. If your town hosts a Día de los Muertos celebration, going dressed with care and joy is part of the fun — and a great conversation with kids about honoring another culture's tradition rather than just borrowing its costumes.

Make It a Family Tradition

Cook a dish a departed relative loved. Play their favorite music while you decorate. Visit and tidy a family grave if you're able — or simply light a candle and share memories. The heart of Día de los Muertos is simple: as long as we remember our people, they're still with us.

And since the season of celebrations is just beginning — Halloween tonight, Día de los Muertos this week, and Christmas around the corner — you can find costumes and dress-up fun for every family occasion right here at The Costume Emporium. Make memories. Create smiles!