If decorating a grave seems too spooky, check out a handful of other ways to get into the spirit of the holiday.
Halloween is over on October 31, but that doesn't mean the spooky festivities have to end there. Get into the spirit by celebrating Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Celebrated throughout Mexico, the holiday pays tribute to deceased friends and family members. Traditionally, surviving family members honor the lives of their dead relatives by enjoying their favorite foods and activities and leaving gifts at their graves.
Day of the Dead lasts from October 31 through November 2, which gives you three days to practice the holiday's traditions -- or just enjoy some related Denver events. Here are a handful of ways you can celebrate Dia de Los Muertos.
1. Check out Denver's celebratory events
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly event or a boozy themed night, Denver has plenty of options for celebrating Day of the Dead.
Dia de Los Muertos at Denver Botanic Gardens
On November 1, see inspirational alters and engage in fun activities like face-painting, storytelling, and more. (The Gardens will also have a FREE day on November 3!)
Day of the Dead Pig Roast at Finn's Manor
Starting at 4 p.m. on November 1, you can celebrate by eating as much pork as possible, along with delicious Caribbean and Jamaican sides.
Dia de Los Muertos at The Church Nightclub
This special event starts at 9 p.m. on November 1 and features a sugar skull competition with prizes.
Dia de Los Muertos at Museo de Las Americas
On November 6 from 5-9 p.m., Museo de Las Americas will provide its annual celebration, which will include creating paper alters, face painting, and more.
Courtesy of Facebook
2. Watch Coco on Netflix (or see it in theaters)
In this 2017 Disney-Pixar collaboration, a young boy dreams of being a musician before getting caught in the Land of the Dead. This beautifully animated film received a 97 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, and is a must-see for kids and adults alike. Watch it on Netflix or catch a local showing between October 30 and November 1.
3. Bake sugar skull cookies
You'd be surprised how much fun you can have with a cookie cutter and decorative icing. You can get store-bought colored icing to make this process easier, or make them from scratch. Decorate your cookies with your personal flair. See the full recipe here.
4. Paint your face
This method of celebration doubles as a last-minute Halloween costume. To achieve results with ease, check out this beginner's sugar skull face paint tutorial.
5. Mix up some celebratory cocktails
How does jalapeno-infused Mezcal with pineapple juice and lime sound? Check out these celebratory cocktails from Community Table.
6. Get crafty
Kids and adults alike will love these easy DIY projects from Growing Up Bilingual. We especially love the kid-friendly skull lanterns and the Day of the Dead planters, which could become the next home for your succulents. Another favorite was the DIY pinata.
How do you plan to celebrate Day of the Dead? Let us know in the comments.
