Halloween is an incredibly exciting time of year. People across the world are provided with the chance to select a costume that depicts their own identities while allowing creative expression, which promotes unity.Â
For Hispanic individuals, Halloween offers an opportunity to showcase personal culture to people who may not already have knowledge about stand-out figures within the Latinx community.Â
For children, this representation can make or break confidence levels because of the impact of seeing someone like themselves in a position of power. This is especially important for girls, as they already face push-back due to heavily enforced gender stereotypes in children’s media.Â
The National Association for the Education of Young Children note that costumes often help children connect with themselves and others through portraying figures that hold authority. Various individuals within the Latinx community effectively convey that command by simply highlighting authenticity. Whether spooky or not, these parties play a key role in offering Hispanic community members the chance to feel valuable on the Halloween holiday.Â
Who are some of the Hispanic figures in pop culture that people turn to when it is time to pick a costume? Why are these characters important? How can they influence Latinx individuals to communicate about culture with outside parties?Â
Listed below are four of the most in-demand costumes of female figures that represent Hispanic communities:Â
Santana Lopez is one of the most beloved queer Hispanic characters to be depicted in popular culture. Played by the late Naya Rivera, Sanatana is tough, as she defends herself to hide her own insecurities. The Cheerio, which is the name of Glee’s cheerleaders, often comes off as uninterested in McKinley High School’s Glee Club. However, as the show continues, she builds relationships with the members by participating. Santana does not let barriers keep her from doing what she wants, which is shown throughout Glee.Â
Euphoria’s Maddy Perez is an extremely iconic Latina character within the television space. Portrayed by Mexican American actress Alexa Demie, Maddy embodies resilience and determination. She is a fighter that advocates for herself and her relationships because she knows her worth. Much like Santana, Maddy is also a cheerleader at East Highland High School. Her costume plays a central part in defining her personality and pride as a member of her community.Â
Desperate Housewives’ Gabrielle “Gaby” Solis is the definition of a Hispanic “it girl.” Played by Eva Longoria, a Mexican American actress, Gaby displays strength and loyalty throughout the show. She always has the most beautiful outfits on and never leaves the house without looking put together. Dedicated to her family, especially her daughters Juanita and Celia, Gaby works very hard to make sure that the people around her are supported, and she always looks good while doing it. Â
Maria is another incredibly significant Latina character to dress up as for Halloween. Portrayed by Rachel Zegler in the 2021 Steven Spielberg adaptation of West Side Story, the Puerto Rican personifies hope and passion. Maria wants nothing more than to feel loved. The film features Maria in a white dress with a red ribbon around the bust. This costume represents Maria’s purity as a girl who came to America to simply live a better life but ended up facing challenges along the journey.Â
Celebrating Hispanic representation around the holidays is important because the act promotes diversity and inclusion in pop culture. These figures play an essential role in defining the television/film industry, and their fashion choices help others connect with them off-screen.Â
These characters also span generations, with Glee being released in 2009 and the West Side Story remake being released in 2021. Revisiting costumes inspired by beloved characters keeps their representation alive and promotes sustainability through the recycling of old ideas and clothing.