The Grim Reaper, dressed in all black and carrying a scythe, is destined to roam the earth, leading humans into the afterlife . . . La Llorona, with her white dress and mournful cries, wanders the great beyond, searching for the children she murdered. Both are terrifying in their own right, but what happens when we pit them against each other in this fall’s most frightening face-off: Halloween vs Day of the Dead?
Halloween
How to Celebrate
If there’s a Grim Reaper sighting at the Freak Show-themed Halloween parade in Boystown on Friday, make sure your costume is so good he can’t possibly tell it’s you, like the Gaelics used to hide from the Aos Si. But don’t forget to toast to those who have passed, as All Hallows’ Eve is a time of remembering the dead.
Origins
A combination of the Christian All Hallows’ Eve and various pagan religious ceremonies, including Samhain, when it was thought souls returned home as the barrier between worlds was weaker. Traditionally thought of as a time to use humor to combat the fear of death.
What to Watch
Frankenstein, the Alien series, anything by Italian terror maestro Dario Argento, Vincent Price movies, the Thriller music video, Nightmare Before Christmas
What to Do
Trick-or-treat, carve a pumpkin, scare yourself to death at a haunted house, scare friends (hopefully not to death) with fun Halloween tricks, say “BOO!” a lot, enjoy childhood Halloween nostalgia
What to Eat
Bite-size candy bars, taffy apples, candy corn, chocolate, marshmallows, any combination of the above
Related Holidays
All Hallows’ Eve (Oct 31), All Saints’ Day (Nov 1), All Souls’ Day (Nov 2), Samhain
Day of the Dead
How to Celebrate
If you can’t make it to the Aguascalientes 30th annual Festival of Skulls in Mexico, check out the National Museum of Mexican Art’s festivities. And don’t be afraid if La Llorona tries to join your family’s graveyard picnic—she just wants some company.
Origins
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to remember friends and family who have died, typically over a three day period: on October 31 an altar is built to invite spirits to visit, November 1 is the day to remember children, and November 2 is the day to remember adults and to visit cemeteries to celebrate with the deceased.
What to Watch
The Book of Life, All Souls Day, anything by Guillermo del Toro
What to Do
Build an altar to celebrate those who have passed on, picnic at the grave site with friends and family, enjoy the favorite items of loved ones passed, buy gifts to leave at the headstone
What to Eat
Sugar skulls (calaveras), pan de muerto, favorite foods of the deceased
Related Holidays
Día de los Inocentes (Nov 1), All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day
While you might be able to bribe the Grim Reaper with candy for one night, La Llorona’s crying at your family’s celebration might get a little old. Who would you rather party with this weekend?
Images: Halloween; Day of the Dead