Halloween is creeping up, and the search for a costume is officially on! If you’re looking for something fun, unique, and full of New Mexican flair, I have compiled five costume ideas that the whole family can rock together. From DIY creations to budget-friendly finds from local stores, these costumes are all about celebrating our culture, having fun, and making the most memories this spooky season!
Chile Pepper Racers
If you have ever attended an Isotopes baseball game, then you know exactly what chile pepper racers I am talking about. If you aren’t familiar with these characters, they compete in between innings; it’s usually a green chile, a red chile, a taco, and a salsa jar. On some occasions, there will be different characters participating, but these are the four you will most likely see.
Supplies for Red and Green Chile
- Red plain shirt
- Green plain shirt
- Black shorts or pants (needed for both costumes)
- Running shoes (needed for both costumes)
- Dark green headband or baseball cap (needed for both costumes)
- Dark green felt
- Black felt
- White felt
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut out letters from the black felt that say, “Red Chile” and “Green Chile.”
- Once those are cut out, glue the letters onto the corresponding shirt.
- On the back of each shirt, use the white felt for eyes and some black felt to create pupils. Glue those on each shirt to create a face. Use the black felt for a smile and complete the face.
- Create the stem using some dark green felt and then glue it on top of either the dark green headband or dark green baseball cap.
Supplies for the Taco and Salsa Jar
- Yellow/tan foam
- White foam
- White poster board
- Brown felt
- Green felt
- Red felt
- Yellow/orange felt
- White felt
- Black felt
- Dark green felt
- Black marker or Black paint
- Elastic straps
- Plain black shirt
- Black pants or shorts
- Running shoes
- Dark green headband
- Dark green baseball cap
Clothing items can be thrifted or if you have them at home, even better. The elastic straps can be found at Hobby Lobby or Walmart. Crafting supplies can be found at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.
Instructions for the Taco
- For the taco shell, cut out an oval shape with enough fabric to cover your shoulders and torso. You will next cut out two holes, big enough to fit your whole arm through, again one on each side. You want the shell to fit like a vest; it will be curved like a taco shell, since the shape is to be cut like an oval.
- Once you have ensured the fit of the shell, you will need the brown, green, red, and orange felt to be arranged as toppings. Cut green strips to look like lettuce, red felt to be cut into circles like tomatoes, and orange/yellow felt into smaller strips for cheese. With your hot glue gun, glue all toppings on the two inside edges of your taco shell.
- Last but not least, cut out white felt for eyes and black felt for pupils and glue this on the right or left side of the taco with a small strip of black felt to add a smile.
Instructions for the Salsa Jar
- To create the jar wrap the white poster board or white foam around your torso, and give a little space to give the illusion of a jar. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can glue the ends together.
- Next, cover the entire jar with the red felt.
- Using a square piece of white posterboard or a white piece of felt, draw or paint “Salsa” onto the white label. Then, glue it on the jar.
- For the jar lid, you can take a piece of the leftover white posterboard, cut it into a circle, and glue a piece of dark green felt to it. You can either use a baseball cap or a headband and glue the jar lid to the top. And now you have your completed the chile pepper racers!
Aliens
UFO sightings are another huge phenomenon here in New Mexico. Roswell is known for all things alien-themed. This is yet another easy DIY costume that requires minimal supplies and can be easily created by you and your family this Halloween.
Supplies
- Plain green shirt
- Plain green bottoms
- Running shoes
- Face paint kit (be sure it includes green)
- Green headband or black headband
- Pipe cleaners
- Hot glue gun
- Small foam balls or Pom Pom balls
- Glow sticks
Instructions
- Starting with the antennas, take your headband and glue two pipe cleaners on the headband. Once the pipe cleaners are dry, take your pom poms or foam balls and glue one onto each pipe cleaner.
- Paint your face to match the green shirt and pants, giving the appearance of an alien. The glowsticks can be added for more alien flair, plus they’re fun!
Western/Cowboys/Pioneer
New Mexico is known for the deep Western roots intertwined with Native American and Mexican cultures. This is what makes New Mexico very unique. Walking downtown in Santa Fe, you will notice Western-inspired apparel and jewelry. This classic theme can be made with anything you may have on hand or thrifted!
Supplies
- Cowboys hat(s)
- Boots
- Bootcut jeans or jean skirt
- Flannel shirt or button-up shirt
- Belt
- Lasso
- Bandana
This costume idea is so versatile and allows you to put your own spin on it! You can add turquoise jewelry or even Chile-themed jewelry, adding some New Mexican flair. Just let the creativity flow and have fun with it!
Glooms
Old Man Gloom, or Zozobra, has been a part of New Mexican culture for 100 years as of 2024. He has been known for bringing gloom and worry to the people of New Mexico, and not far behind are all his little glooms. His little glooms, described as his “minions,” look like little ghosts. A New Mexican tradition made fun for this Halloween season!
Supplies
- Black shirt
- Black pants
- Running shoes
- White sheet
- Face paint kit (optional)
Instructions
- The sheet is typically worn like a cape and can be decorated or painted if you want to add something more to the costume.
- The face paint is optional, but can be used to add a little twist to the gloom costume.
- This is a simple costume idea, but with a little creativity, it can be made into something original and fun!
Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday dating as far back as the Aztecs. New Mexico has adapted and celebrated this holiday that honors your deceased loved ones by cooking food, arranging flowers, and even making sugar skulls. This theme can be tailored to fit what your family loves and honor those family members who have passed.
Supplies
- Black suit or black dress
- Lace blouse or white dress shirt
- Dress shoes
- Sash in red, green, or yellow (purchase or make from craft fabric)
- Plastic marigolds
- Plastic red or green chile peppers
- Black headband
- Facepaint kit (optional)
- Hot glue gun
Check out some YouTube tutorials if you want to take on Day of the Dead makeup.
For all of these costumes, check out your local thrift store to save some money on the clothing basics. But if you already have the items at home, even better! I recommend Michael’s or Hobby Lobby for the crafting supplies. Target and Walmart will have many of these items, and don’t forget to check out 5 Below and Dollar Tree, too.
Halloween is the perfect chance to celebrate creativity while embracing the traditions that make New Mexico so special. With just a few thrifted finds and simple craft supplies, these DIY looks can turn into such fun-filled lasting memories.
