The witching hour is close at hand. And because Halloween falls on a weekend this year, you can bet there'll be all manner of mayhem and ballyhoo. If you haven't already begun carving the oh-so-hilarious puking pumpkin or started searching for the best hoochie-mama costume, you better get cracking.

Those with milder intentions for the weekend might want to hold a different kind of celebration. Why not honor the Day of the Dead and hold a Dia de los Muertos Feast? Traditionally celebrated on All Souls Day and All Saints Day (Nov. 1-2) the ancient tradition marks the return of those passed with a welcome party featuring a bounty of skeletons, food, and music.

Customarily, a supper of the souls features spice-laden foods, the aromas from which are used to draw the departed home. Imagine a spread of tamales, carnitas, beef empanadas, mole con pollo, or costillas en salsa verde with all the earthy, spicy richness wafting to the heavens. You couldn't forget the pan de muerto, the bread of the dead, which is a traditional sweet loaf sometimes molded into figures representing someone special.

To make it easy on yourself, all of these foods can be ordered from El Burrito Mercado, including a custom pan de muerto with the honoree's name. EBM will be celebrating themselves on Nov. 1-2 with samplings, specials in the cafe, and sales on sugar skulls and other traditional art.

Because vices as well as virtues are remembered during the celebration, it might be the perfect time to pour some tequila. But let's leave the licky-sucky to the slutty nurses and cavemen and choose a libation that appeals to the wisdom that comes with time spent off the bar floor.

Patron Citronage Cafe Cream

• 1 oz. Patron Citronage
• 1/2 oz. Patron XO Cafe
• 1/2 oz. white creme de cacoa
• 1/2 oz. half & half
• Orange twist for garnish