As the crisp autumn leaves fall and the nights grow longer, two vibrant and culturally rich celebrations come to life, each with unique charm and significance. Halloween, celebrated on October 31, conjures images of costumes, jack-o'-lanterns, and trick-or-treating, while Día de los Muertos, observed from November 1 - 2, paints a picture of marigolds, sugar skulls, and heartfelt remembrance.
These two festivals, although distinct in their origins and customs, share a common thread of honoring the mystical, the macabre, and the cycle of life and death. Take a look at some of these treats we've cooked up for you to celebrate both holidays!
From the Springshare Community: LibGuides Galore!
All Things Spooky
This Halloween History & Traditions LibGuide from Full Sail University explores the traditions, literature, and films of Gothic and contemporary horror. Complete with haunted houses, tricks & treats, and special effects makeup, this is the ultimate guide to Halloween!
Día de los Muertos in Latin American Cultures
From ofrendas to pan de muertos, natitas and kite festivals, Chaffey College Library's colorful Día de los Muertos LibGuide delves into Day of the Dead traditions across Latin America.
Customs, Traditions, & Celebrations
The Library of Congress boasts a diverse collection of resources covering Halloween and Día de los Muertos, including folk customs, fine art, pop culture, and literature. These collections encompass everything from classic film clips to recordings of storytellers and supernatural songs, and much more!
Share Your Spooktacular Plans in the Lounge
Is your library hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration? Did you create a gourd-geous Halloween LibGuide? Or maybe you've made a haunted chatbot? Whatever it is, we want to hear about it! Head on over to our Halloween & Día de los Muertos discussion in the Lounge and let us know what you're doing with your Springy Tools to celebrate these mystical holidays. Everyone who participates will receive a special Halloween/Día de los Muertos 2023 Badge in the Springshare Lounge!
Just for Fun: Ideas for the Library and Beyond!
Perfectly Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Hosting a pumpkin carving program? Don't let those seeds go to waste! With this recipe, you'll transform these little seeds into a crunchy, savory treat. Get ready to elevate your pumpkin seed game with this easy and flavorful recipe! It's the perfect seasonal break room snack.
This recipe is adapted from Hello Little Home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or more, to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Remove pulp from pumpkin seeds, then place seeds on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle seeds with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder, and season generously with salt. Mix well.
- Roast seeds, stirring every 5-10 minutes, until they're toasted and crispy (about 20 to 25 minutes).
- Eat and enjoy!
Sugar Skull Delights: Crafting Calaveras for Día de los Muertos
The perfect activity for creative teens, tweens, or undergraduate students! Young patrons will dive into a world of vibrant colors, artistic expression, and cultural significance with this sugar skull craft project. Sugar skulls, otherwise known as "calaveras", are iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos celebrations, representing a joyful way to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. In this creative endeavor, we'll show you how to make your own calaveras out of wooden spoons!
Supplies Needed
- Wooden spoons - use your old ones or pick some up from the craft store!
- Permanent markers - make sure they'll work on wood, and don't forget a white one!
Directions
- Outline your design onto the spoon lightly in pencil.
- Using your permanent markers, draw the details of your design.
- Fill in the background of your design.
- Decorate the handle of your spoon.
This project is adapted from Ooly.
Happy Halloween and Feliz Día de los Muertos from all your friends at Springshare!