Despite the wonderful traditions of Days of the Dead, Mexican children have adopted the concept of Halloween and Trick or Treat, the US’ premier pagan holiday. Expect to see kids running around with small plastic jack-o-lanterns and chiming “Halloween.” If you plan to be on the streets or around the Jardín tonight, or the next several days, take along a good supply of treats!
Halloween is a contraction of “All Hallows’ Evening”. It initiates the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed believers. All Hallows’ Eve is a Catholic feast copied from Celtic harvest festivals that also focused on the belief that departed loved ones returned in search of food and comfort from the living.