Halloween’s influence is transforming popular festivities around Día de los Muertos and its ceremonial customs in rural and urban areas of Mexico in some fascinating ways.

Skulls and skeletons are popping up in stores around Chicago, but they’re not your typical Halloween fare. Look closely and you’ll see them paired with colorful flowers, dressed as bride and groom, or made from sugar with intricate designs.

Day of the Dead might sound like a solemn affair, but Mexico’s famous holiday is actually a lively commemoration of the departed. The nationwide festivities, which include a massive parade in Mexico City,

Founder Father Sebastiaan organizes Vampire-themed events around the country, and one of the highlights is a Halloween-time festival in New Orleans. All events are at House of Blues, including parties, a bazaar, a banquet and the Vampire Ball on Saturday, Nov. 2. Find tickets and information via endlessnight.com.

As the calendar inches toward Halloween, plenty of area residents are getting their fill of scary movies, seasonal decorations, and stockpiling sweet treats to hand out on the big night.