Day of the Dead Costumes
If you love Halloween then no doubt you've taken an interest in the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. It is a holiday that is devoted to honoring our deceased loved ones in a celebratory way. Families decorate altars in their homes with photographs, favorite objects and favorite foods of the people they honor. They visit the cemeteries and clean and decorate the grave sites, all while enjoying a carnival-like atmosphere. Whether you want to join in on this unique tradition, or pay homage to it at your next Halloween party, we've got a few tips to help you pull of your Dia de los Muertos costume perfectly.
Posing in your Day of the Dead costume can be as simple as mastering a spooky stare or an animated smile to call attention to your skull makeup. Simple props can really up the wow factor, such as an old-fashioned lantern or a spider-web lace wrapped skull. If standing still in a stoic pose isn't your thing, you can always dance instead! Dancing in honor of your deceased friends and relatives is an important part of the celebration.
When you and your significant other go out in coordinating a couple's Day of the Dead costumes, you'll be the couple that everyone wants a picture of. Practicing a few go-to poses will ensure that every picture shows off your costumes at their best. We love the over-the-shoulder glance that happens when you place your hand upon your partners shoulder. And the side by side matching coffin pose will give people chills every time!
Day of the Dead Adult Costumes
Get ready to kick off your Día de los Muertos celebrations in style! The Day of the Dead doesn’t always fall on one day, as it is celebrated in Central American and South American countries in late October to early November, and, as such, is a separate event from Halloween. These Day of the Dead costumes are perfect for the day’s festivities, especially the extravagant parades. Don’t forget to snag some calaveras, a.k.a. sugar skulls! While some of these sugar skulls are made to be eaten and others are merely decorative, people can also be seen wearing similar skull makeup along with a costume. This is known as dressing as a Catrin. If you’re looking for Catrin costumes, we have quite a few styles for both adults and children.
Red Women’s Day of the Dead Costume
La Catrina may be connected with images of death, but her origins can be traced back to the early 1900s. She was first depicted in what can be equated with a political cartoon, which was actually a commentary on dying Mexican culture as men and women were dressing in more European clothing. She later became associated with the Day of the Dead, and this Day of the Dead costume for women is perfect for anyone looking to dress like a Catrina.
Day of the Dead Women’s Costume
La Catrina was usually depicted as a woman in a dress, so this women’s Day of the Dead costume is perfect for parades and other festivities. This costume comes with the dress, a belt and a headpiece, so all you need is some sugar skull makeup to complete your outfit.
Red Men’s Day of the Dead Costume
Men can also dress up for Day of the Dead festivities as a Catrin. This dapper Day of the Dead costume for men includes a decorative jacket, hat, pants and a cummerbund, and works well with a black or white undershirt.
Skeleton Day of the Dead Outfit
Many Day of the Dead costumes are black, so this black Day of the Dead outfit for men will fit right in with the festivities. Whether you’re planning on participating in a parade or some other event, you’ll look simply dashing in this black suit and hat set.
Day of the Dead Kids’ Costumes
Día de los Muertos is a family celebration, so kids can have fun dressing up as well. Whether they’re going to be part of a parade or wearing costumes with their family, kids love to dress up and join in on festivities. Check these kids’ Day of the Dead costumes out if you’re looking to get them involved in the holiday.
Girls’ Day of the Dead Dress
This Day of the Dead costume for girls is a ravishing red, and it’s bound to stand out in a crowd! Whether you’re interested in having a matching family costume or your little girl is planning on wearing this costume by herself, she’ll be simply darling for Día de los Muertos.
Dia de Los Muertos Catrina
Perhaps your little girl likes to be a little different, and this girls’ Day of the Dead outfit will allow her to express her individuality with a unique white costume. This beautiful dress with lace details is both cute and feminine, and it will fit in with any of the day’s parades and festivities.
Red Day of the Dead Costume for Boys
If your son wants to look just like dad, we have a matching red Day of the Dead outfit for boys that’s an instant favorite. Add some finishing touches with a white or black shirt and some skull makeup he’ll be ready to take part in the holiday.
Boys’ Day of the Dead Outfit
If your son isn’t the biggest fan of face paint, this Day of the Dead costume for boys includes a decorative eye mask that should do the trick. This outfit includes a lot of pieces, from the hat, pants and jacket even down to the skeleton gloves. He’ll fit right in with the family if you’re planning on wearing Catrin outfits.
Dia de los Muertos Accessories
Skull motifs are everywhere when celebrating Day of the Dead. It’s in the decorations and the food, and people also paint their faces or wear decorative masks. If you’re looking for some Dia de los Muertos accessories to go with your outfit, you'll need to check these out.
Day of the Dead Skull Mask
This Day of the Dead mask for women is a little more feminine as it features roses in the design, but anyone could wear this mask. This half-mask only takes up a portion of the face, so it’s great for people who don’t enjoy having their entire face covered.
Day of the Dead Catrina Mask
If you’re interested in having a complete sugar skull look but you’re not fond of your makeup skills, perhaps this Catrina mask is for you. This mask by Ghoulish Productions is perfect for anyone who wants an easy Day of the Dead costume.
Sugar Skull Makeup Kit
Many people don sugar skull makeup to celebrate the Day of the Dead. This basic skull makeup kit gives you the essential colors you’ll need to make your face look like a skull, and you can even use the red makeup for some more colorful accents.
Skeleton Face Jewels
Catrinas who want to be a little more decorative can add sparkle to their sugar skull makeup with this set of skeleton face jewels. The peel-off backing makes them easy to apply, and you can always add as few or as many as you want to customize your look.
Day of the Dead Costume Makeup Tutorial
Start with a white base using cream makeup and powder. Use a navy blue eye shadow color across both eyelids in a circular shape. Then blend with a lighter blue around the edges of this shape to create more dimension. Then take the black and red eyebrow pencils and create a web pattern across the forehead. Use the black pencil to fill in the nose and to create more lines across the face. Finally use spirit gum to attach the colored gems across your face.
Day of the Dead Facts
Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd.
November 1st is to honor children and infants who have passed; whereas, deceased adults are honored on November 2nd.
Alters are made in people's homes, decorated with candles, flowers, and favorite foods of the deceased person they are celebrating.
On the afternoon of November 2nd, festivities take place in the cemetery. The tombs are cleaned, bands play music, and people talk and share stories about their loved ones.
Sugar Skulls are made or purchased at the market to adorn the altars of the deceased.