I love Halloween and dressing up the family including our dog. If it were up to me, I'd dress up my 2 year old as "La Chilindrina" from El Chavo del Ocho but I have strict orders to create a magnificent Elena of Avalor costume! I'm excited for another festive holiday but as my almost threenager constantly reminds me I must be MIL OJOS (all eyes) on her or she'll be sprinting before I know it. Some expert tips and stats may just come as a quick reminder of how important safety really is on Halloween.
So safety first!
According to safekids.org
Top Tips
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Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. Since masks can sometimes obstruct a child’s vision, try non-toxic face paint and makeup whenever possible.
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Have kids use glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
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Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
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Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.
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When selecting a costume make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Now on to costume cuteness!
1) Topo Gigio
If you don't know who Topo Gigio is ask your Latino parents! Topo Gigio was the most famous puppet mouse in Italian and Latin American TV. Personally, I vaguely remember watching a singing mouse as a little kid, probably reruns cause the original aired in the 60's and I ain't that vieja, lol.
2. Chespirito Characters
If you're Latina odds are that you at least recognize some of these iconic characters like El Chavo de Ocho, La Chilindrina, or El Chapulin Colorado. I loved watching Chespirito growing up and I even love watching it now. So when these characters are pint size, it just makes you go awww!
3. Mini Frida Kahlo and Diego
Frida Kahlo has become a symbol of iconic Mexican art, Mexican pride and Latina feminism. It is no wonder why many women want to dress themselves up and their daughters as this icon. Though their relation was very volatile, Diego seems like a natural partner costume.
4. Elote Man
We all saw the viral video of Benjamin Ramirez aka "Elote Man" get his elote cart knocked over by a hate filled pedestrian in L.A. What better way to show support and pride for all these workers than this super cute mini elote man. As mi mamá always said, "Trabajo es trabajo, y mientras no este robando es digno." ("Work is work and as long as you're not stealing it's worthy").
5. Juan Valdez or Taza de Cafecito
You should know that my love for Cafecito is measured in daily ounces so of course I had to include some sort of Cafecito costume and please leave the Starbucks away (no offense, I just don't consider that true cafe, for my taste anyway).
6. Let's Taco Bout It
Ok so technically I'm Colombian American but my love for Mexican food is beyond borders. From tacos, "taco belle," burritos, and hot sauces, here's definitely a family theme you can work with!
7. Princess Elena of Avalor
I am happy to FINALLY see, a Latina Disney princess. I never pushed this cartoon on my daughter but it was interesting to see her naturally gravitate towards something that is reflective of her multicultural family. I am proud to be making her Elena costume. I'll post pics soon, in the meantime check out these awesome ones.
8. Traje Típico or Traditional Folkloric Costume
What's great about trajes tipicos or traditional costumes is that they not only work for Halloween, they can work for fiestas, photo ops, Day of the Dead, and cultural events so you get more use out of them and we love that!
9. Wonder Woman
So I know you are asking how in the world is Wonder Woman Latina? Well, being the big Linda Carter Wonder Woman fan that I am, I researched her background and in fact Linda Carter, the original Wonder Woman is Mexican. Though she was born in Phoenix, AZ and her father is Scott-Irish, her mamá is Mexican. Here she is with her mami. I am sure alot of people do not know that this American icon is in fact Latina!
10. Charrito & Charrita
My first concert ever was not Justin Timberlake, Nirvana, or Madonna, it was Vicente Fernandez. It was a familia event that I remember dearly and left such an impression that to this day (though I am mostly a "rock mama and rockstar wife"), I enjoy a good ranchera with a shot of tequila or aguardiente! These pint sized charritos and charritas will just melt your corazones.
So there you have it, some ideas. Enjoy all the festivities but please remember to be safe and use common sense. Safety first with our lil ones!
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