Classic costumes are in style this year, at least, according to vice president of marketing for Party City Bill Furtkevic. The store, located in North Bergen, is a popular destination for West New York and Union City families wishing to purchase costumes and Halloween supplies.
“That means Spiderman, Batman, and Darth Vader for boys, and Dora the Explorer, Hannah Montana, and cheerleader costumes for girls,” said Furkevic. “We’re also noticing a trend with humorous costumes this year.”
Classic costumes are sought after this year.
________
Browned-haired Andrew said he will wear a blonde wig and dress up like her. In previous years, he has been a Cuban old man dressed with a traditional “Guayabera” shirt, a bearded face, and a toy-like cigar.
“Some children are considering going as ketchup bottle, a lobster, hot dog, a banana,” said Furkevic.
Yet, some youngsters prefer to stick to Halloween’s scary theme.
“He wants to dress up as a three-faced ghoul,” said Teddy Lopez’s father, also named Teddy.
Furkevic said that trends among adults are costumes representative of past decades. The ’80s are especially popular.
Day of the Dead
Other cultures have traditions similar to Halloween, but not quite the same. Some residents with a Mexican background will be celebrating the Day of the Dead, which occurs for a few days during the end of October and culminates on Nov. 1. Though some might find a correlation between Halloween and el Dia de los muertos, it is usually a day in which dead relatives are celebrated through things that they loved while they were alive. For instance, some relatives might cook a deceased loved one’s favorite meal and place it in front of their picture, or put on favorite music of theirs.
“I remember my family doing traditions like that, but here it’s not done in the same magnitude. It’s a big deal in some parts of Mexico,” said Leticia Aguirre, who manages Atlixco Mexican restaurant in West New York and moved from Mexico 24 years ago. “For decorations, you might see little skeletons. But it is a fun party festival. It’s not meant to be scary.”
Carlos Gutierrez, a patron at the restaurant, said the festival is spread throughout days. “One day might be to remember deceased children, other for those that died in an accident, and so on until Nov. 1, which is the last day of the festival.”
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com