How to dress up for Day of the Dead celebrations

Halloween was originally founded to ward off ghosts, but the Day of the Dead is known for both honoring and welcoming the dead.

Originating in Mexico, Day of the Dead is a way to honor our departed friends and family members. It is one of the most vibrant events of the year, combining the macabre with joy and memory.

Revelers dress up like skeletons called “Catrinas” (for women) and “Catrines” (for men). For a classic Catrina look, wear a marigold ring adorning a headband or cowboy hat.

“I think it's not just the costumes themselves, but the meaning they have for each person that makes them spectacular,” says Hidalgo native Saul Montiel, chef for Cantina Rooftop and 1604 Broadway in New York City , Mexico.

Paint your face with “Sugar Skull” style makeup using black and white face paint and draw large black circles around the eyes and nose to create a classic skull shape. Add details like flowers, hearts and tears.

Women can dress up like the classic cantina, starting with a floral crown or headband made of faux flowers or marigolds, paired with a black or white lace maxi dress. A wide-brimmed hat can be decorated with marigolds or a veil, and skull-style makeup and jewelry can also be used. For Men: Dress up like elegant skeletons with black suits and white shirts, wide-brimmed hats like a rose-adorned top hat, and classic skull face makeup.

According to Lindsey Bernay, stylist and author of “You Can't Leave the House Naked,” partygoers can combine tradition with style to honor the cultural roots of the Mexican holiday.

“You can wear embroidered tops or skirts; As for the color palette, lean towards bright colors like red, orange, yellow and turquoise,” she said. “Celebrants can decorate their faces with skull patterns, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. Día de Muertos celebrates life and honors deceased family members with love and respect.”

She recommends that the best makeup and outfit for women are bold hues like red and blue. “Incorporating floral patterns into your makeup look pays homage to the cultural significance of marigolds, which are often used in altars to honor loved ones,” she said. “A defined red lip is perfect for Day of the Dead.”

“It's about adding a touch of tradition to your wardrobe,” said Mexican stylist Tiffany Briseno.

“Look in your closet for pieces that complement the colorful and artisanal aesthetic of the festival. Bright hues and intricate textures can be a nod to the holiday.”

Briseno recommends wearing pieces like A-line skirts with floral patterns, flounced sleeves that pay homage to traditional Mexican craftsmanship, and shirts with Peter Pan collars that add a charming vintage touch to your look.

She also recommends incorporating accessories like statement, oversized earrings, flowers braided into your hair, skull makeup, veils, and decorative fans. “All of this not only enhances your appearance but also pays homage to this treasured tradition,” she said.

Pedro Zamora, a Mexican-born New Yorker, is the founder of Cantina Rooftop and 1604 Broadway, a Latin American entertainment complex in New York's Times Square that includes Broadway Pizza and Bites, the Circo restaurant and nightclub, and the Palma Verde restaurant.

“The Day of the Dead dates back to ancient Mesoamerican traditions that honor the spirits of the departed with sacrifices and celebrations,” Zamora said. “In New York City, these gatherings not only keep the tradition alive, but also serve as a powerful way to spread and share Mexican culture by educating and inviting everyone to participate in this special celebration.”

Day of the Dead is a big celebration for Zamora, which will host a celebration Nov. 2 at Cantina Rooftop and 1604 Broadway. “The Day of the Dead is a celebration in which we receive the souls of our loved ones with the well-known 'altars of the dead,'” he said.

Typically, Day of the Dead altars feature dishes, fruit, cigarettes, tequila, bread, and favorite foods. According to Zamora, the scent of yellow marigold, also known as cempasúchil, its Aztec name, is said to guide souls from their gravesites to their family homes.

It also helps add a touch of color and make an otherwise somber event solemn. “Our photos of the loved one we are honoring will also decorate our altar,” he said.

When it comes to costumes, Day of the Dead is very different from an event like Halloween – there is a specific dress code. “People dress up like skeletons and paint their makeup like skulls,” Zamora said. “In that sense, skeletons are a fun symbol of the afterlife,” he said.

Zamora has worked in the Latino music industry for over 30 years as an executive and producer of Latino concerts and Hispanic entertainment events. Originally from Nuevo Leon, Mexico, he owns Zamora Entertainment, La Boom Inc. Z Live, national radio stations and dining establishments including HK Hall. He has celebrated the Day of the Dead every year since he was a child in Mexico.

On November 2nd, Zamora plans to host a stylish, costumed celebration with food and drinks specially prepared for the occasion, as well as skeleton-themed desserts created by Chef Montiel.

They will have a large grand “ofrenda” (altar) honoring the lives of famous Mexicans and Americans. “It’s a meaningful and vibrant tribute,” Zamora said. Cantina Rooftop will also house a series of altars representing the different states of Mexico.

“We plan to represent all kinds of 'Catrinas' that will add a magical touch to our celebration, accompanied by traditional music such as mariachi bands and local Latin music groups and artists,” he said.

For Montiel, he places dishes on the altar that loved ones valued during their lifetime. “The best way to incorporate Day of the Dead is to enjoy every moment, one dish at a time,” he said. “Every plate I prepare carries love, passion and deep nostalgia, celebrating not only the Day of the Dead, but life itself.”

There are Mexican personalities like Charro González, a Mexican singer that Montiel looks up to, and his children love to dress up every year. His son dresses up as the elegant mariachi Catrin every year, while his daughters love dressing up as Catrinas “without me having to suggest it,” he said.

“When I asked my daughter Ella, who is 9 years old, why she wanted to dress up as Catrina, she told me, 'Because it represents who we are, Dad.'”

This annual celebration will add warmth, color and joy to bustling Times Square. “Latin American culture is growing through new Latin American-owned venues and cultural festivals, attracting tourists and encouraging New Yorkers to explore the area,” Zamora said.

“This growth enriches diversity, stimulates the local economy, fosters connections and increases the vibrancy and inclusivity of Times Square.”