Halloween is a celebration that has grown in popularity all around the world, and Mexico is no exception. Though the country has its own traditional celebrations, such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), many people in Mexico have also embraced Halloween in recent years. With the spooky season comes a variety of fun activities, including dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, and of course, indulging in ghoulishly delicious candy treats. So, what candy treats do people in Mexico enjoy during Halloween?
1. Chocolate Skulls and Candies
One of the most iconic candy treats people in Mexico enjoy around Halloween is the chocolate skull. These chocolate candies, shaped like skulls, are often wrapped in colorful foil and are a nod to Mexico’s rich tradition of skull imagery, particularly associated with Día de los Muertos. The vibrant designs on these skulls are symbolic of both the Mexican culture and Halloween’s eerie, ghoulish spirit. While these treats are tied to the Day of the Dead celebration, they have become popular around Halloween as well, especially for kids who love indulging in chocolate.
The chocolate skulls are often filled with sweet fillings such as caramel or marshmallow, making them even more tempting for children and adults alike. They’re typically sold in stores leading up to both Halloween and Día de los Muertos, allowing for a blend of the two holidays’ traditions.
2. Candied Pumpkins
Another Halloween treat that people in Mexico may enjoy is the candied pumpkin. While pumpkins are not as central to Mexican culture as they are in the United States, they are still widely used during Halloween celebrations in Mexico. These sweet, vibrant pumpkin treats are often made by boiling small pumpkins with sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to create a sweet, syrupy concoction.
Candied pumpkins, known locally as “calabaza en tacha,” are a traditional Mexican dessert that many enjoy during Halloween. While not as ghoulish in appearance as some other treats, their spooky orange color and delicious flavor make them a perfect addition to Halloween festivities.
3. Sugar Skulls (Calaveritas de Azúcar)
While sugar skulls are more closely associated with Día de los Muertos, they also play a role in Halloween celebrations in Mexico. These calaveritas de azúcar are small, decorative skulls made from sugar, which are often elaborately decorated with vibrant colors. They’re sweet and crunchy, and many people in Mexico enjoy them during Halloween and beyond.
Though they are traditionally given as gifts during Día de los Muertos, they also make for a spooky and sweet treat that adds to the eerie ambiance of Halloween. These sugar skulls are a symbol of both life and death, making them the perfect candy for the Halloween season.
4. Gummy Worms and Jellies
Just like in many other countries, gummy worms and jellies are a popular Halloween treat in Mexico. Their squishy, wiggly texture and creepy-crawly appearance make them a perfect snack for the spooky holiday. Mexican stores often sell gummy worms in various bright colors, and they’re sometimes dusted with a bit of chili powder for a deliciously spicy twist. These treats can often be found as part of Halloween-themed candy bags or as loose gummies in the candy aisles.
Their combination of sweetness and spice appeals to the diverse tastes of Mexican candy lovers, making them a favorite treat for trick-or-treaters and Halloween parties.
5. Marshmallow Ghosts and Skeletons
Marshmallow treats shaped like ghosts, skeletons, and other spooky figures are also a common sight in Mexico during Halloween. These marshmallows are often coated in chocolate or sprinkles, and their fun, ghoulish shapes make them a big hit with children. They are often sold individually or in multi-pack bags, making them a convenient choice for trick-or-treating.
Their soft, chewy texture and sweet taste, combined with their spooky Halloween shapes, make them a fun treat for both kids and adults alike. Whether they’re part of a candy mix or given out individually, marshmallow ghosts are a delightful addition to the Halloween candy lineup.
6. Licorice and Sour Candies
Licorice and sour candies are also common treats in Mexico during Halloween, with many candy brands offering Halloween-themed packaging and shapes. These tangy, sour treats are often sold in vibrant, eye-catching colors, and their intense flavors make them stand out among other Halloween candies.
For those who love a bit of tang with their sweets, sour candies and licorice are a great choice. They’re often found in candy bags specifically designed for Halloween celebrations, making them a go-to option for anyone looking to add variety to their candy stash.
Conclusion
In Mexico, Halloween is celebrated with a delightful mix of traditional and spooky candy treats. From chocolate skulls and candied pumpkins to marshmallow ghosts and sugar skulls, there’s a wide array of sweets to satisfy every sweet tooth. These treats reflect a blend of Mexican culture and Halloween fun, adding to the excitement of the spooky season. Whether you’re enjoying them at a Halloween party, during trick-or-treating, or simply as a festive snack, these ghoulishly sweet candies are sure to make your Halloween celebration extra special.