Amid costumes and sugar skulls, downtown Saltillo transforms into a nighttime catwalk for Halloween

Starting at five in the afternoon, downtown Saltillo began to transform. A tent offering free face painting was set up at the corner of Victoria and Allende streets, where children still waited their turn amidst laughter, glitter, and costumes. The weather was cool, and the confetti hanging in the streets heralded a festive night.

Everywhere you looked, the costumes told their own story: Catrines and Catrinas in full, light-up skirts, a Gohan from Dragon Ball Z, a Queen of Hearts, an orange Garfield in his mother's arms, and even a bloodied Ronald McDonald holding his dad's hand. Characters from Minecraft, Naruto, and Teen Titans were also present, while dogs paraded in skeleton sweaters or bat wings.

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“It’s something for babies, for them to enjoy, to learn, and to socialize,” says Brisa Martínez, who has brought her four-year-old son and her nine-month-old baby. “Many people think it’s bad, but children don’t know about gender or religion. It’s just for them to have fun,” she adds before continuing her tour.

A few steps further on, Carmen sums up her concern in one sentence: “Take care of your children.” The plea is echoed among parents who are carefully watching the bags of candy, reminding everyone that excitement shouldn't lead to complacency.

Meanwhile, Gustavo, a father and ride-hailing driver who works afternoons downtown, decided not to take his children out this year. “Last year, a friend of my wife got candy with pins in it. I’d rather not risk it this time,” he said, adding that instead, he and his family would hand out candy while driving around in their car.

The activity definitely intensified with "Friday of the Girls," the day when social media vendors come to the city center to deliver products or promote their wares. "Everything came together: payday, Halloween, and the deliveries. That's why there are so many people," explained one vendor as she adjusted her cat ears and offered desserts to passersby.

In Plaza de Armas, Mickey Mouse greeted the children, and the monumental pieces from the Calaveras Saraperas exhibition served as a backdrop for family photos. The blend of traditions is evident: while some ask for sweets, others buy flowers for the weekend altars.

“Let the tradition continue,” says Héctor Castro Lara, a resident of the city center who was dressed as a monkey for the second time. “It’s not about scaring people, it’s about having fun.” And so, amidst the lights, costumes, and the commotion on Victoria Street, we see that Halloween night continues in full swing in downtown Saltillo.