Here are some spooktacular happenings in Vancouver (BC Canada) for Halloween and Día de los Muertos.
Havana
Attention Spooky Season lovers: Havana Vancouver on Commercial Drive is transforming into a haunted mansion for its annual Halloween-themed cocktail pop- up, putting a fun and boozy twist on trick or treating.
The creative (and spooktacular!) menu was developed by Havana’s bar team (Alexa Greenman, Evan Fong, Charlie Smulders, and Merlin Fisk) and features four cocktails, including a zero-proof option, and a shot to be consumed at one’s own risk.
Kids at heart who long for their trick-or-treating days will get a kick out of the “1 Trick, 3 Treats” cocktail, which has guests take a chance and pull a treat out of the candy bowl to determine what drink they receive.
Havana’s Haunted Mansion feature cocktail menu runs October 20-21 and 27-31. Reservations, and
costumes, are encouraged.
Mon Paris Patisserie
Mon Paris Pâtisserie is conjuring up enchanting chocolates for trick-or-treaters of all ages, available from now through October 31, 2023. Pre-order online or visit the shop in person to indulge in irresistibly sinful milk chocolate Halloween creations, including Jack-o’-lantern lollies ($4) filled with spellbinding pumpkin spice caramel, and charming Jack-o’-lantern statues ($25) featuring two signature truffles hidden within. These mesmerizing chocolate masterpieces are haunting the shelves of this enchanted Burnaby pastry shop for a limited time.
Discover Mon Paris Pâtisserie’s 2023 Halloween offerings now at 4396 Beresford St., Burnaby. You can place your orders for these spirited treats, as well as exquisite cakes, macarons, and chocolate assortments, online at monparis.ca/monparis-shop, and collect them in person.
Ophelia
Ophelia Executive Chef Francisco Higareda will pay homage to his Mexican heritage and the country’s revered annual Day of the Dead celebrations by hosting a multi-course Día de los Muertos Dinner at the popular Olympic Village restaurant (165 W 2nd Ave.) on Thursday, October 26.
Beginning with a welcome cocktail at 6:30 p.m. and continuing with dinner at 7 p.m., the Día de los Muertos event will showcase Higareda’s unique takes on authentic Mexican fare in a dimly lit dining room adorned in traditional décor and flickering candles, staff sporting colourful calavera (skull) makeup, and a soundtrack of Mexican folk music.
A storied holiday observed throughout Latin America, Día de los Muertos is a traditional and much revered holiday celebrated in Mexico during which family and friends gather to pray for and remember friends and family members who have passed. It is commonly portrayed as a day of celebration rather than one of mourning and has become a national symbol and is taught in the nation’s school system with its indigenous origins serving as a point of pride. In 2008, the tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Staff are not the only ones who will be observing traditional customs, dress and makeup during the one-night-only affair. Guests are also encouraged to arrive in costume and vie for prizes during a Halloween Costume Contest that will take place during the dinner.
Reservations for Ophelia’s Día de los Muertos event can be made via email at [email protected] and secured with a credit card, will full payment taken on the night of the event.
Latin Market Ft. The Day Of The Dead
Don your best catrin or catrina costume and enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Latin America during this two-day, family-friendly exhibition that features over 30 vendors, a marketplace, and live Latin music.
A Day of the Dead altar (Altar de Muertos) will be available for community members to remember and honour their dearly departed with offerings (ofrendas) such as photos, food, and other small gifts.
Traditional costumes from Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, Peru, Colombia, and more will be displayed at different locations throughout Granville Island for guests to admire, along with other traditional displays of Guatemalan barriletes (kites) and papel picado (hanging paper cutouts) for a truly immersive experience.
During your visit, indulge in authentic street food from Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, and more by visiting the array of food vendors on site (with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available).
Discover the full lineup of workshops and exhibitions taking place during Latin American Heritage Month by visiting: https://latincouver.ca/lahm/.
Alimentaria Mexicana
Come and be a part of an extraordinary celebration of life, love, and remembrance as we pay tribute to Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead, with three Masters of Mexican cuisine.
Alimentaria Mexicana is proud to present this extraordinary evening on Thursday, Nov 2, 2023 as a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture, savor outstanding cuisine, and craft lasting memories. 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
5 -course menu:
*Welcome Drink: Hibiscus Día de los Muertos Margarita
- Sea urchin tostada, heirloom corn
- Sieglinde potatoes, huitlacoche
- Kuri squash tamal, mozarella
- Lamb barbacoa, chilhuacle negro
- Mexican flan, piloncillo caramel
*Petit fours made by Toña Chocolates. Ticket prices are subject to 20% gratuity.
Rice Cake Master
Rice Cake Master, in partnership with Aglaze, is back with an exclusive offering of pumpkin-themed desserts, just in time for Halloween week, running from October 25th to October 31st, 2023.
These delightful treats are available at Rice Cake Master’s Richmond location.
The delectable selection includes:
- “Pumpkin” Mochi Set (Set of 4) – $18.99
Each set features a quartet of flavours: Black Sesame, Sweet Ube, Mango Sago, and Peach Oolong, elegantly presented in a gift box. - Giant “Pumpkin” Sandwich Cookie – $8.99
Savour a massive “Pumpkin” Sandwich Cookie, a scrumptious indulgence. - “Pumpkin Field” Gift Set – $58
This lavish gift box contains four “Pumpkin” Sandwich Cookie Tarts, each containing a freshly baked cake base, luscious whipped cream, and a decadent sandwich butter cookie filled with one of four enticing flavours: Yuzu, Dark & White Chocolate, Berries & Matcha.
There is also a Trick-Or-Treat Tart Making Class by Aglaze at Rice Cake Master’s Richmond Location.
It’s designed for parents and children to bond over a sweet culinary experience, teaching you how to assemble visually appealing pumpkin-shaped mochi tarts.
The cost is $158 per parent-child group.
To save, book for four groups and only pay for three.