Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead if you like) is sometimes seen as the Mexican version of Halloween. Actually, it’s rather more complex and stems from an ancient indigenous Mexican belief that at midnight on 31 October the gates of heaven open and the spirits of deceased family members come to enjoy the celebrations for the first two days of November.
Local Mexican restaurant Chupacabra is proud to be part of a culture that preserves tradition and honours the legacy of their ancestors, and they invite us to do the same. On Thursday and Friday (1–2 November) Chupacabra will set up a huge ofrenda (Spanish for offering) covered in candles and marigolds to pay respect and welcome back the departed. Customers are invited to add an offering to the shrine to keep a memory alive.
In celebration of life and death, enjoy Mexican music, food and cocktails. Head chef Evan White has created a special menu including a traditional tamale; black squid ink and habanero ash tostadas; and pan de Muerto dessert paired with special creations by mixologist Amelia Stokes: Black Margarita Muerte and frozen orange Marigold Margarita at $10 each. Kids will eat free on Thursday night 1 November.
Chupacabra, 12/3 Clifford St Suffolk Park. Open: Tues–Sat 6.30am–10pm, Sun 9am–6pm, Mon 6.30am–3pm.
