El Santo in Glasgow’s Merchant City is preparing itself for a double dose of Dias de los Muertos, Mexico’s version of Halloween.
Also known as Day of the Dead, the festival is traditionally celebrated from the 2nd to the 4th of November, and has a more joyful and celebratory feel to it, with three days of feasting and drinking in honour of departed relatives, gifts of candy skulls and altars bedecked with orange Chrysanthemum flowers.
While Dias de los Muertos has long been a highlight of El Santo’s calendar, as an excuse for several nights of colourful costumes and agave cocktails as winter descends on Glasgow, this year will see venue introducing an afternoon family element.
On Saturday 31st October, El Santo’s daytime celebrations will give children the opportunity to have their faces painted in traditional Mexican style, and then keep them occupied with colouring sheets telling the story of Dias de los Muertas whilst mum and dad tuck into El Santo’s special October menu.
In the evening, proceedings will turn altogether more adult, with the restaurant hosting a fiesta featuring dancers, a DJ, and the venue’s signature cocktails.
“Halloween is a big event on the calendar for all ages nowadays,” said Ether Moraes, El Santo’s marketing manager.
“With this in mind, we are very pleased to be ticking the box for families during the day with a fun event which explains more about the origins of Day of the Dead, and an evening celebration which will feature what we call true ‘Baile Latino’, which translates as Latin American Dancing.
“Many of our regular customers love to dress up and indulge in their Gothic side, and Day of the Dead is something that certainly fits the bill for that, although with a more joyful undercurrent than traditional Halloween,” said Moraes.
“We are inspired by all things Latin American here, and have a solid base of performers who love to come in and entertain us, wearing elaborate costumes. If you want to dress up, you’re more than welcome. Please look out your costumes and dress to impress.”
El Santo’s October menu includes guacamole, prepared fresh at the tableside, crispy Chicharron – crackling pork skin seasoned with El Santo’s signature spices and served with fresh salsa – plus small plates and tacos, beef tartar, roasted bone marrow & picanha steak from the charcoal grill, and signature Latin cocktails, including Spicy Mango Margaritas and Guava Caipirinha’s.
