According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending in the US this year is the highest it’s been since the they began tracking it in 2003—an estimated $8.4 billion. According to the survey, over 20 percent of those customers plan to visit a haunted house during the season. Albuquerque Business First reports that Meow Wolf’s “House of Halloween” (1352 Rufina, Santa Fe) has seen nearly 3,000 visitors and has increased its revenue by 50 percent since they opened the new attraction—which has featured additional performances within the art space every Thursday through Sunday during October ($25-$35). The vice president of the company behind Dragons House of Horror (300 San Pedro NE)—which claims to be the “world’s longest haunted house”—says they received 5,000 visitors last year, but that they expect even more this time. Dragons House is open most days during October ($25). The survey also found that the most popular child’s costume type this year was the superhero, derailing an 11-year streak by the princess. The most popular costume choice for adults 18 to 34 years old was a Batman character. The Albuquerque Journal spoke to employees from the Spirit Halloween Store and Halloween City and found the trend happening there as well. Representatives of both stores seemed surprised by the low popularity of election candidate costumes this year.
Halloween News Cyclists Raise Funds … From The Grave!
Last Sunday, cyclists from all over the city met to celebrate the season early by dressing up in costumes and riding for charity as part of the Day of the Tread fundraiser. Riders chose from seven paths ranging between 9 and 100 miles for the charity ride, all while wearing festive disguises. The event benefited Pegasus Legal Services, a nonprofit that helps provide legal help for kids in need in New Mexico.
Halloween News Sbcc Celebrates Dia De Los Muertos
The South Broadway Cultural Center (1025 Broadway SE) is once again hosting their annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration with a large art exhibition and community gathering this Sunday. A Mexican tradition still practiced by the people there and connected to the Catholic All Saints’ Day, the celebration honors the spirits that have gone on before. Co-sponsored by the Consulado de Mexico, the Dia de Los Muertos celebration will give up both traditional and contemporary ofrendas in honor of the deceased, as well as a community ofrenda, which will feature photographs of departed loved ones provided by the public. The SBCC is observing the holiday with a number of free events, including opening ceremonies performed by Aztec Dancers, an ofrenda contest and the "Dead Market"—an artists’ market with themed art and jewelry. The festivities will be taking place throughout the South Broadway Cultural Center and South Broadway Library starting at 11am.
