Halloween is one of those holidays for which the decorations really matter in helping the season come alive, so where do people rush to for their decorating needs? Party City is the obvious choice, but for some Mexican families, the best source is the local supermarket or candy store, which sell mountains of Mexican and American candy wholesale, imported goods, and, of course, those wonderful, gawdy-in-a-good-way holiday decorations you can't help but love.
Any Mexi market worth its tamarindo will be stocked with these festive objets d'art, and you'll know it from the first impression—markets and bakeries usually have the charming hand-painted signs with jack-o'-lanterns, ghosts and “Happy Halloween” on the outside windows. Inside, hanging from the ceiling or the walls will be rows and rows of items just waiting to be part of your spooky pachanga: large piñatas in the shape of witches, ghosts and vampires; paper skeletons hanging on garlands; and plastic skeletons, fuzzy fake spiders, ghosts, and more of the like that can be plastered on any surface. These kitschy festoons elicit fun and provide color for all, without being too tacky or garish . . . although a little tackiness for Halloween is fine. Plus, there are plenty of sugary treats and snacks available— because what's a party without sweets? You can walk into any market to find these, but our recommended haunt is Gosa Toys Party Supplies (1002 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana; pinatasorangecounty.com).
As Mexis love to celebrate Dia de los Muertos right after Halloween, markets also supply plenty of decorations suitable for altars, including sugar skulls; El Catrin and La Catrina skeletons (unrelated to the skeletons you find for Halloween, since they are two different holidays!) in different sizes; large paper banners in red, orange or green; candles; and more. If you want colorful sugar-skull figurines, miniature bottles and sweet bread, you'll find them at Tlaxcala Bakery (1208 S. Standard Ave., Santa Ana; tlaxcala-bakery.com).
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.