ML Interest Tag: sugar-skull

Where to Celebrate Day of the Dead Events in Los Angeles

by Jennifer O'Brien

Pay tribute to the deceased with these Día de los Muertos Los Angeles events

Every fall, many families gather to honor and remember their loved ones who have passed away by celebrating Día de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. Whether they decorate elaborate altars with photos and sentimental objects of remembrance or paint their faces like skulls, otherwise known as Calaveras, there are many special traditions you can share with your children. We’ve rounded up some of the best events in SoCal to commemorate the holiday this year.

What Is Día de los Muertos?

Celebrated throughout the Americas, the tradition of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico. Kids will recognize the colorfully decorated sugar skull as the most common symbol. Your town or neighborhood may host a celebration, but not everyone knows the meaning behind it. Did you know: Día de los Muertos holiday is actually two days, held consecutively: Nov. 1 is marked as a day to honor lost children, as well as any lost or forgotten souls. Nov. 2, Day of the Dead official, honors all lost ancestors and loved ones.

Los Angeles Day of the Dead Events Near Me

Plaza de Familia at Disney California Adventure Park
Now - Nov. 2: The Disney and Pixar Academy Award-winning film, Coco, comes to life at Disney California Adventure’s Plaza de la Familia with an immersive celebration of the everlasting bonds of family. Highlights include A Musical Celebration of Coco, photos with the film’s main character, Miguel, as well as Mariachi concerts, paper mask design, delicious Mexican food, and an opportunity to post personal messages to loved ones at the memory wall near the Mexican Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life). Event details.

Related: 18 Latinx Trailblazers You & Your Kids Should Know

More Day of the Day Events around Los Angeles

Día de los Muertos at Olvera Street
Now - Nov. 2: Over nine days, a colorful celebration of Día de los Muertos takes place on Olvera St. that blends ancient traditions with modern interpretations of the holiday. Highlights include nightly theatrical performances, a vibrant parade honoring loved ones who’ve passed, community altars, free sweet bread, entertainment, face painting on select dates, and a 5K race celebrating the Day of the Dead. Event details.

Día de los Muertos on the Third  Street Promenade
Now - Nov. 2: Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) is honoring Día de los Muertos, highlighting the traditional Mexican cultural celebration of life and death, with live entertainment and a display of nine La Catrina sculptures on view throughout three blocks of the Third Street Promenade. The larger-than-life sculptures are by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero and depict La Catrina, one of Día de los Muertos' most recognizable figures originally created by Mexican illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada. Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico, will perform on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. on the 1300 block of the Promenade. Event details.

Related: Latinx-Owned Businesses in LA to Celebrate All Year Round

Coco Screening at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Oct. 31: If you’re looking for something different to do this year on Halloween night, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is featuring a free outdoor screening of Disney and Pixar’s film, Coco. Event details.

Los Angeles Día de los Muertos Events Happening This November

Día de Los Muertos at Kidspace Children's Museum
Nov. 1-6: Families are invited to join in the celebration of life at Kidspace Children's Museum by contributing either items from home, such as scanned photos or trinkets, or by making paper flowers, clay figures, or drawings at the museum. Personal items from home should represent the lives and interests of loved ones who are being honored. Please do not bring anything valuable, perishable, flammable, or breakable, and keep in mind that the museum cannot return your items. The Día de Los Muertos celebration continues through the weekend with the music of Las Colibri, an all-female ensemble that plays a unique interpretation of traditional mariachi music on Nov. 4. Técnica Arte y Folklore will thrill guests with the colorful twills and lively steps of contemporary dance in Mexican folklore on Nov. 6. Event details.

Día de los Muertos Family Festival
Nov. 1: Nov. First Fridays at the Catalina Museum for Art & History will be on Tues. this month to Celebrate Día de los Muertos. Families and friends of all ages are invited to experience a free celebration with the 4th Annual Día de los Muertos Family Festival. The museum welcomes the colorful Mexican tradition celebrating life and death while honoring family members and friends who are no longer with us and will take place from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Enjoy an art project for the kids, local food vendors, cultural performances including live mariachi music followed by local band Sin Frontera, a performance by Ballet Folklorico Quetzal and more! The museum will be raffling off special Día de los Muertos Limited Edition Barbies during the event. Event details.

Día de los Muertos at Santa Monica Pier
Nov. 1 - Nov. 2: Santa Monica Pier pays tribute to Día de los Muertos with a two-day public art installation inside the Merry-Go-Round building. Piergoers are invited to contribute to the community altar, as well as view altars created by local artists. There will also be an art installation called Letters of Life where guests are asked to share their favorite Pier memories, photos and anecdotes of family and friends who have passed. These will decorate the space via digital murals surrounding the Carousel over the course of the celebration. Event details.

16th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at 24th St. Theatre
Nov. 2: This outdoor evening event will feature live music, performances, rides, craft vendors, and lots of food. All attendees are required to wear masks. Event details.

49th Annual Celebration of Día de los Muertos at Self Help Graphics & Art
Nov. 5: Join Self Help Graphics & Art for a family-friendly evening of live music, altars, street food vendors, DJs, a Día de los Muertos exhibition, and the Muertos Market featuring local artisans, artists, printmakers and designers. Event details.

Día de los Muertos Celebration at Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum in Compton
Nov. 5: The public is invited to view ofrendas honoring those who have passed, watch live performances, dine on Mexican cuisine, and shop from talented local artisans. Event details.

22nd Annual Día de los Muertos Family festival on Main Street Canoga Park
Nov. 6: Enjoy a day with the family that's filled with live music, vendors, a classic car show, Aztec dancers, folklorico, ofrendas, as well as arts and crafts. Event details.

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Trader Joe’s New Air Plant Ghouls Are Perfect for Spooky Season

by Karly Wood

We pity the ghoul who doesn’t snag one of these

As if the plethora of new pumpkin and fall products at Trader Joe’s wasn’t enough to lure you for a shopping trip, the grocer is notorious for stocking their garden section with one-of-a-kind finds, like the famous air plant skeleton yogis. This year, they are upping the ante.

Alex from @traderjoesnew on Instagram has spotted the newest, spooky find: ghoul air plants! The whimsically designed ghosts are the perfect blend of festive and not-too-scary, which makes them just the right pick for decorating for Halloween.

Related: The Hard-to-Get Trader Joe’s Halloween Yoga Skeletons Are Back!

Tinybeans

Currently, there are four options to choose from. Pick from a tall and skinny plant or a squat version in either black or white with opposing faces.

Related: Pumpkin Products Have Arrived at Trader Joe’s

Tinybeans
Tinybeans

Each ghastly ghoul planter is topped with an air plant that gives it a curly, messy-haired vibe. Probably the best part about the new decor is that each one is only $5.99!

Related: Fall & Halloween Products Have Arrived at Trader Joe’s

Tinybeans

This isn’t the first time Trader Joe’s has stocked their garden section with seasonal plants worth splurging over. For the last several years, you likely spotted yoga skeletons, also topped with an air plant.

They are currently available (if you can find them since they tend to sell out every year) in the lotus, lotus with hands to heart and lotus with hands above head poses. They are the perfect addition for yoga lovers!

In honor of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Trader Joe’s has dropped an updated look to its annual sugar skull plants. The skulls are available in purple, orange, white, black, blue, and yellow colors in mini sizes for $4.99.

Is anyone else suddenly craving a Trader Joe’s run?

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Barbie’s 2022 Día De Muertos Collection Is Stunning

by Karly Wood

“Memories keep us alive”

The Day of the Dead is approaching and in honor of the annual festival of remembrance, Mattel has just released its 2022 Barbie Día De Muertos Dolls.

“Every year when I sit down to design the new Día De Muertos dolls there’s a flood of emotions; I’m honored and excited to represent this holiday that is so close to my own heart. I understand how important this holiday is and am grateful for the opportunity to continue celebrating these traditions with Barbie respectfully. I love celebrating the Día de Muertos traditions with my loved ones each year and honoring my family and friends that are no longer with us. It’s such a powerful and meaningful way to remember them through stories and happy memories,” says Barbie Signature designer Javier Meabe.

Mattel

This year, three dolls make up the collection. Barbie wears a royal purple dress with calavera sugar skulls and flower details. She dons a cempasúchil flower and rose headband with streaming ribbons, with a bone belt to finish the look.

“Ken has a little more complex design than Barbie but I’m always up for the challenge! I wanted to make sure he felt different, and special from the first Día De Meurtos Ken,” Meabe explains.

Mattel

Ken sports a bright blue shirt under a vest with skulls, flowers, roses, and bones to make up his charro look. To finish his ensemeble, he wears a calavera sugar skull bolero tie and sombrero with a golden band.

This year, a special Barbie also joins the collection and is designed by Benito Santos. “I’m excited that we get to expand the world of Día De Muertos in the Barbie portfolio. We also get to see it come to life though the vision of Benito Santos, who also loves and celebrates the holiday,” says Meabe.

Mattel

A member exclusive, this doll wears a red-and-white embroidered gown with a layered mermaid hem, a cropped embroidered jacket, and a holiday-inspired headpiece. You can shop the new 2022 collection at mattel.com, where dolls range in price from $80-$100.

Right now, the Benito Santos x Dia de los Muertos doll is currently sold out, but it could come back in stock.

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Trader Joe’s Sugar Skull Succulents Have Returned

by Karly Wood

It’s the perfect way to decorate for Día de los Muertos

As if Trader Joe’s yoga skeleton air plants weren’t enough holiday-themed fun, TJ’s also has also brought back its annual collection of sugar skull succulents!

The brightly hued ceramic skulls are a perfect addition to any Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) décor. Rather than cause frights, the sugar skulls are intended to express the happy memories of loved ones that have passed on. This year’s eye-catching collection does just that.

The skulls are available in purple, orange, white, black, blue, and yellow colors. In years past, there have been both mini ($4.99) and grande ($9.99) sizes to shop, but so far in 2022, we’ve only seen the small versions at local stores.

While we wouldn’t call ourselves botanists, we have spied a variety of succulent plants to choose from. Echeverias, Haworthia, aloe, Tiger plants, and several other options will bring a little life (after death) into your space.

Karly Wood

The best part about succulents? Even the blackest of thumbs can keep them alive with just a little water and sunlight. They will likely survive long past Día de los Muertos, which means you can either transplant them into a year-round container or your backyard, or just keep them in the candy-colored sugar skull all year long.

The next time you’re headed out to Trader Joe’s to stock up on fall products to welcome the season or just to pick up the perfect gift, grab a few skulls before they’re gone!

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Everything You Need to Celebrate Day of the Dead

by Amber Guetebier

Did somebody say sugar skulls? It must be Día de Los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead)! From the history of the holiday to crafts, to food, and artisans to support, read on to get some inspiration for celebrating this important holiday with your family.

The Skull Truth: Día de Los Muertos Facts & History

Pixaby

Celebrated throughout the Americas, this tradition of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico. Kids will recognize the colorfully decorated sugar skull as the most common symbol. Your town or neighborhood may host a celebration, but not everyone knows the meaning behind it.

Did you know: 

The Dia de los Muertos holiday is actually two days, held consecutively: Nov. 1 is marked as a day to honor lost children, as well as any lost or forgotten souls. Nov. 2, Day of the Dead official, honors all lost ancestors and loved ones.

The week preceding (and sometimes longer) is spent in preparation for the big night which often culminates in a procession to the town cemetery or a central place where altars have been erected.

Loved ones are honored with offerings including the departed's favorite foods, drinks, and objects. 

Sugar skulls aren't necessarily to eat. 

Click here to learn even more about the significance of sugar skulls, why it's such an important holiday in Mexican culture, and how you can participate.  

Read a Day-of-the-Dead Inspired Story

Get ready for the holiday and inspiration for your own celebrations by reading books together. We love La Catrina: Emotions - Emociones, a sweet board book that uses beautiful imagery to help kids express emotions. For ages 4-8 we recommend the bilingual picture book, I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story/Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: Un Cuento Del Dia de Los Muertos. 

Support Latinx Artists

LaCatrinitaCrafts

Yes, we know you can get Day of the Dead decor at Target. But put some dollars into supporting Latinx artists to get your skeleton vibes and honor the roots of this holiday. 

Etsy shop MyCajitaCo goes beyond fair trade and cultivates items from Mexico-based artisans, like this incredible three-piece ofrenda set. And LaCatrinitaCrafts has hand-painted skeleton owls you will want next to you all the time. This Mama Muerte print from artist ScenicG is just one of his many gorgeous and unique pieces. 

Día de Los Muertos Recipes & Activity Kit

Día de Los Muertos activity for kids
Kidstir

Kidstir has a special Day of the Dead activity and recipe kit, aimed at getting kids into the kitchen to help celebrate the holiday. You'll receive three iconic recipes for Mexican dishes like quesadilla skulls, Mexican hot chocolate and Sopa de Fideo (classic tomato soup with fried pasta), along with activities, a cooking tool, stickers and more inspired by the holiday. 

You can purchase this activity kit on Kidstir.com.

Sweet Sugar Skull Crafts

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Skulls and skeletons with flowers in their hair, hats, mustaches, suits, and more can be seen throughout the Day of the Dead holiday. Here are some sugar-skull-inspired crafts you can try at home with your kids this year. 

If you've always wanted to try making your own sugar skulls at home, check out this site to get supplies, decor, and tutorials.  

10 Recipes Perfect for Día de Los Muertos

day of the dead recipes
mangioeviaggiodasola.com

Because this is a time of celebration, feasting together, especially on your loved ones' favorite foods, is a significant part of the holiday. From Pan de Muerto—a sugar sprinkled yeast bread frequently placed on the altars to the dead—to traditional Mexican foods, check out these ten recipes to cook up something delicious. 

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Amazon’s Best Halloween Decorations (Most Are Under $20!)

by Gabby Cullen

Once September hits, it’s the perfect time to start shopping for Halloween decorations on Amazon! From creepy spider webs to yard signs, there’s something for everyone on our roundup of freaky and fun Halloween decorations. Scroll down to see them all.

Halloween Porch Signs

Pretty up your porch this Halloween with fabric banners boasting fun sayings like, "Hocus Pocus," and "Trick or Treat!" Each banner is 13" x 71" and the soft material means it'll be a cinch to store them. 

Buy the set here, $11.

3-D Bat Stickers

These reusable 3-D bat stickers are just the right balance of spooky and cool. They are made from black, waterproof PVC plastic—you can use them indoors or out. Plus, there are four different sizes of bats to create a fun design. 

Buy them here, $6 for an 80-pack. 

Flame-Less Melted Votive Candles

These flame-less candles are designed to look like they've been working hard while you whip up a magic potion or two. They come with batteries that are said to last 72-100 hours, and when the battery dies, it's easy to replace it. 

Order a 12-pack here, $15.

Spooky Yard Signs

Warn all potential visitors of the dangers that lie ahead with these spooky yard signs. They are double-sided, so they feel more authentic and they have stakes for easy placements.

Buy them here, $17.

Sugar Skull Salt & Pepper Shakers

We are so in love with this set of sugar skull salt and pepper shakers! The bright colors and intricate illustrations would make a good addition to any table long after Halloween and Día de Los Muertos are over. 

Buy the set here, $18.

Black Feathered Crows

Complete the look of your creepy witch’s lair with these crows. The wire in the feet allows you to use on bushes, on mantles, on pumpkins and more. They measure 4.72” tall and 9.44” long from beak to tail feathers.

Order them here, $16 for 6.

Halloween Paper Garland- Pack of 5

Skulls, pumpkins, ghosts, spiders and bats––the gang's all here! Whether you're hosting a Halloween bash or just decorating your home for fun, there are plenty of ways to use these adorable paper garlands. Each garland is about 10 feet in length, so there's no limit when it comes to spooky creativity.

Buy it here, $7.

Black Lace Spiderweb Fireplace Mantel Scarf

halloween decorations

Dress up your mantel in full Halloween spirit when you cover with a spooky spiderweb mantle scarf. The black lace accessory works equally well hung over a door, and pairs perfectly with some fall foliage, candles and even a skeleton or two.

Buy it here, $9.

Halloween Christmas Tree

Have you heard about the new Halloween Christmas tree trend? Yup, it's happening, and you either love it or you hate it. If you love it, this one is for you! 

Buy it here, $30.

Pumpkin Lights

These adorable pumpkin-shaped paper lanterns will light up your back yard, your front porch or mantle with that iconic toothy grin. You get 10 LED lights and 10 pumpkin lanterns. 

Order it here, $9.

Giant Web & Spider

Why go small when you can go big, especially when it comes to freaky decorations. Let's hope your neighborhood crew doesn't have arachnophobia or they'll never get past your garden gate! 

Get your very own spider and web here, $28.

Peep n' Peepers Flashing Eyes Halloween Lights

halloween decorations

Create the ultimate scare when you install flashing eyeballs in your bushes. This set of three flashing and adjustable colored eyes come on six-foot strands and can be connected end-to-end. They are super easy to install in just a few minutes for hours of spooky fun.

Order them here, $20.

Yikes in the Yard Buried Lawn Skeleton

Give yourself a super creepy yard this year by displaying a partially buried skeleton! For $25 you get a skull, two arms and two legs made from molded plastic that is durable and weatherproof. This is a purchase you can use year after year for ultimate thrills!

You can find this skeleton here, $27.

Solar Flame Torches

Fire up your walkway with these solar-powered flame torches. The dancing flames will lure Trick-or-Treaters to your door in search of goodies. Will they get a scare too? 

Buy them here, $70 for a 4-pack.

Zombie Hands Wall Decal

Because who wouldn't want peel and stick zombie hands to frighten up the living room? This decal comes in one large piece for easy application and when it comes time to peel it off, it won't damage your wall.

Order a set here, $13.

Glow-in-the-Dark Rocks

Make your entryway or garden path glow with an eerie light with these uber-cool glow pebbles. They have the added bonus of being pet safe and eco-friendly—just leave them out to charge all day in the bright sunlight so that as night falls they light up naturally. They're non-toxic, so they are also safe for aquarium use. 

Snag a bag or two by clicking here, $13.

Witch Hat Lights

Amazon

More sweet than spooky, these lights will look picture-perfect hanging from a tree in your front yard. With just a tinge of retro-witchiness, they invoke the true spirit of All Hallow's Eve. Wicked cool. 

Buy then here, $20 for a set of 3. 

––Gabby Cullen with Karly Wood

 

All images courtesy of Amazon.

Editor’s note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

 

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This Brain Cactus from Trader Joe’s Is Spiking in Popularity

by Karly Wood

If you aren’t already a lover of all things Trader Joe’s, that’s about to change. The neighborhood grocery is more than just a cool place to stock up on groceries––it’s also the perfect place to pick up the ultimate plant.

In addition to the cult favorite sugar skull succulents and yoga skeleton air plants, TJ’s Brain Cactus is the newest must-have. The cactus grows in a way that resembles a brain, making it the ideal buy for this spooky season.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF5TIPEpNww/

 

The $5.99 plant only needs to be watered about once a month, making it the perfect option for those of us with brown thumbs. Each one comes with a Sugar Skull card and comes in a brightly colored pot.

––Karly Wood

Feature Photo: Karly Wood for Red Tricycle

 

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Creepy-Cool Luminaries to Make This Halloween

by Susie Foresman

Get your house Halloween ready by making your own ghoul-worthy luminaries. From the classic paper bag variety to spooky disembodied hands, the crafting possibilities surrounding these Halloween decorations are endless. Keep reading to get glowing.

Sugar Skull Mason Jars

Allison Murray via Dream a Little Bigger

These glowing sugar skull mason jars are not only easy to make, but you'll be able to keep them up even after Halloween is over. Head over to Dream a Little Bigger for the tutorial. 

Glowing Monsters

Life’s a Batch

If you’ve got Mason jars left over from canning—all you need is a little eerie inspiration. Nicole at Life’s a Batch blogged about her creepy creations including Frankenstein’s Monster (with foam earplugs for bolts), candy corn, spider and bat lanterns. Just add a tea light or battery light for a grisly glow. See the tutorial by clicking here. 

 

Paper Bag Pumpkins

Smile Mercantile

These luminaries from Smile Mercantile are a bit more involved, but the payoff is well worth it. We love that they’re made out of paper bags—perfect for a shabby-chic Halloween display. To get the full instructions, click here.

 

Skeleton Hands

Taryn Williford

Think outside the box (or bag, or mason jar) with Taryn Williford’s fun idea. These luminaries add a touch of spookiness without being too creepy. Find out how they’re made by clicking here.

 

Flame-Free Ghosts

Crayons & Collars

These super cute luminaries from Crayons & Collars are easy to make and safe, too. You won’t have to worry about keeping them out of reach of kids and pets since there’s no fire involved, and your little crafters will have a blast drawing wacky faces on the luminaries. To get all the details, click here.

 

Word Art Lanterns

Three Different Directions

Get inspired by Three Different Directions to turn clear buckets into bold luminaries. Spell out “BOO” with alphabet stickers, or use felt to make jack-o-lantern faces. To get all the details, click here.

 

Wine Bottle Candy Corn

Saved by Love Creation

Set aside a few wine bottles to make this neat craft from Saved by Love Creations. Candy corn fans will appreciate seeing this light up your porch. To find out how they’re made, click here.

 

Milk Bottle Skulls

Dollar Store Crafts

Save your milk bottles to make these fun lights from Dollar Store Crafts. Since they’re on the smaller side, make a bunch and you'll have a mini army of lit-up skulls. To get the instructions, click here.

 

Glowing Mummy Jars

A Little Yum

Another easy-peasy to make mummy craft, this one by A Little Yum packs a punch when the lights go down. Because really, why have a plain mummy when you can have a glowing one?

— Susie Foresman

 

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