One thing we have noticed over the almost 20 years we have been in La Manzanilla…the rise of Halloween celebrations.

We first noticed it during the first Trump term in the U.S. when many Mexicans were forced to return. They brought the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating on October 31st from el Norte. Kids paint their faces in Dia de Muertos style, and instead of going house to house, they stick to the main streets, and the business and restaurants hand out hard candies to them.

These days there are more and more kids out for Halloween every year. We bring the mini chocolate bar treats from Canada and roam around downtown handing them out. It’s a hoot to see all the little ones in their costumes. Last year we brought over 200 treats and we ran out.

Dia de Los Muertos is a more somber affair - with the beautiful altars to the deceased usually set up in the jardin on November 1 - and that evening many Catrinas and Catrins strolling around in their face-paint and finery.

The alters are often made by local school classes, and there are prizes for the best ones. Last year, we knew everyone who had an alter made for them, and some who passed away were far too young.