Halloween might be synonymous with American traditions like trick-or-treating and jack-o’-lanterns, but across Latino culture, there are unique and fascinating traditions that truly stand out. From honoring the dead to warding off evil spirits and sharing creepy legends based on folklore, these strange and unusual Latino Halloween traditions aren’t only fun, they’re culturally rich. Here are 8 Latino spooky season customs you may not know about:
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Altars
Photo by Roger Ce on UnsplashOne of the most mainstream Latino traditions during the Halloween season is Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated primarily in Mexico and parts of Central America. But here’s the twist: instead of focusing on fear, this holiday is all about celebrating life and honoring those who have passed away. Families build elaborate ofrendas (altars) at home or at cemeteries, decorating them with marigolds, candles, sugar skulls, and photos of loved ones. The belief is that the spirits of the deceased come back to visit during these days. It’s spooky but in the most heartwarming way! You’ve probably watched the Disney movie “Coco” by now, so you know exactly what we mean by that. And if you haven’t, you really should.
El Día de las Ánimas (Day of the Souls)
Photo by Julia Kadel on UnsplashIn Ecuador, Halloween blends into a more spiritual tradition known as El Día de las Ánimas. On this day, families visit the graves of their ancestors to share food, stories, and a special treat called colada morada, a thick purple drink made from blackberries, spices, and herbs. Some even believe that offering food to the dead can help ease their journey in the afterlife. It’s like Halloween but with more soul—and a nice drink on the side.
El Cucuy—The Latino Boogeyman
Photo by Khashayar Kouchpeydeh on UnsplashEvery culture has its version of the boogeyman, but Latinos have El Cucuy, a terrifying creature that’s used to scare children into behaving. While El Cucuy can be invoked year-round, Halloween is when stories about him really ramp up. Parents tell their kids that El Cucuy lurks in the shadows, waiting to snatch up naughty children. It's creepy and weirdly effective at keeping kids in line!
La Llorona Sightings
Photo by Lan Gao on UnsplashLa Llorona, the weeping woman, is one of the scariest legends in Latino folklore, and Halloween is the time when people claim to hear her cries near rivers and lakes. The story goes that La Llorona drowned her children and now wanders the earth, wailing and searching for them. Of course, there are many twists in the story, but that’s the baseline. People tell tales of spotting her ghostly figure, draped in white or hearing her eerie sobs echoing through the night. If you’re Latino, chances are you’ve grown up hearing about her—and Halloween is the perfect time to share those spooky La Llorona stories.
Los Huevos de Bruja (Witch’s Eggs)
Photo by Ella Christenson on UnsplashIn some parts of Latin America, people believe in the strange superstition of los huevos de bruja, or witch’s eggs. These are supposedly cursed eggs that witches use to cast spells on people, especially during Halloween. If you find one (which is typically just a rotten or misshapen egg), it’s said to bring bad luck unless you perform a ritual to cleanse yourself from the witch’s curse. It’s a bizarre tradition, but it’s a fun part of the folklore around Latino Halloween culture.
Burning Copal to Ward Off Evil Spirits
Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on UnsplashIn Indigenous Mexican traditions, burning copal (a type of resin incense) is believed to purify the air and ward off evil spirits—especially around Halloween and Día de los Muertos, when spirits are thought to be closest to the living world. Families light copal to protect their homes and loved ones from any negative energies that might be around them. Plus, the earthy, smoky scent of copal really helps create the right ambiance for the spooky season.
Las Calaveritas (Sugar Skull Poems)
Photo by Tim Mossholder on UnsplashIn Mexico, another unique Halloween tradition is writing calaveritas, or funny, satirical poems about death. These poems poke fun at life and death and are often written as if the subject is already dead—in a funny or ironic way. They’re a lighthearted way to talk about something that’s usually taboo or anxiety-inducing, and they’re often shared during Día de los Muertos celebrations. It’s a creative way to embrace the spooky season while also keeping it fun and not-so-serious.
There you have it! Whether you’re building an ofrenda, burning copal, or just getting spooked by tales of El Cucuy or La Llorona, these customs are a reminder that Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes—it’s about celebrating culture, life, and sometimes, the strange and unusual.
