Coco Movie Night

We love our #Movienights and with it being Spooky season, well skeletons are all around in decor. However, you may not know but November 2nd is All Souls Day but in Mexico it is called Day of the dead and is celebrated from November 1st -November 2nd. That is what is discussed and honored this this beautifully rendered film.

I’ve already mentioned this takes place in Mexico so lets understand more about Mexican culture.

Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. Mexico covers 1,972,550 square kilometers (761,610 sq mi), making it the world’s 13th-largest country by area; with approximately 126,014,024 inhabitants, it is the 10th-most-populous country and has the most Spanish-speakers. Mexico is organized as a federation comprising 31 states and Mexico City, its capital and largest metropolis. Other major urban areas include Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Toluca, Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, and León.

Pre-Columbian Mexico traces its origins to 8,000 BC and is identified as one of the six cradles of civilization, it was home to many advanced Mesoamerican civilizations, most notably the Maya and the Aztecs. In 1521, the Spanish Empire conquered and colonized the region from its base in Mexico City, establishing the colony of New Spain. The Catholic Church played an important role in spreading Christianity and the Spanish language, while also preserving some indigenous elements. Native populations were subjugated and heavily exploited to mine rich deposits of precious metals, which contributed to Spain’s status as a major world power for the next three centuries, and to a massive influx of wealth and a price revolution in Western Europe. Over time, a distinct Mexican identity formed, based on a fusion of European and indigenous customs; this contributed to the successful Mexican War of Independence against Spain in 1821.

Now this lesson can go several ways so here are historical resources for support.

Add in the crafts, decor and traditional food to enjoy and upping your movie experience.

Craft

DISNEY’S COCO MOVIE PRINTABLES + ACTIVITY SHEETS – Made with Happy

“Looking to celebrate the launch of Disney Pixar latest movie with these Coco Movie Printables. We have some great printable activity sheets and coloring sheets for this extraordinary tale.” – Alli

DIY CARDBOARD GUITAR CRAFT – Desert Chica

“We recently saw Coco in the theaters, yup we were a little late to the game. Not surprisingly, everyone loved it. Elliot was especially taken with the singing/guitar playing Miguel. He’s already asked for a real acoustic guitar like Miguel plays. His birthday is in April, so we might make that happen. His brother received an electric guitar for this birthday last year so it’d only be fair, right? In the meantime, we had fun making a DIY Cardboard guitar craft. In addition to the Coco coloring sheets, Disney sent over easy instructions on how to make a cardboard guitar. I’m sharing the steps below, along with the printable so you can download it yourself.” – Karen

How to Make Mini Tissue Paper Flowers – Tikkido

“Planning a party with fiesta flair for Cinco de Mayo or Dia de los Muertes?  These miniature tissue paper flowers look like the classic Mexican folk art tissue paper flowers and make the perfect party embellishments.” – Nikki

Day of the Dead Flower Headpiece Tutorial –Tikkido

“Make a Day of the Dead headpiece with just a few simple, easy to find craft materials.  This Day of the Dead headpiece with veil requires no sewing–just a glue gun.” – Nikki

How to Make a Sugar Skull Craft for Kids – Marcie in Maryland

“Are you trying to celebrate the Day of the Dead with kids this year? Keep scrolling to find out how to make an adorable sugar skull craft for kids.” – Marcie

Appetizer and Sides

EASY RESTAURANT STYLE MEXICAN RICE – The Short Order Cook

“Cooking your own restaurant-style Mexican rice is very easy. It only requires a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It is delicious, made in one pot, and is done in about 30 minutes.  You could not ask for anything more in a recipe.  You will be making this authentic Mexican rice all the time once you find out how flavorful and easy it is to make.  It is the best side dish to serve with tacos, enchiladas, tamales, or quesadillas.” – Angela

Cajun Corn Salad – Ottawa Mommy Club

“This summer, I implore you to try Cajun Corn Salad. It will change your world. It’s the best way to add flavour to your BBQ or outdoor picnic and it makes a tasty side dish with more zest and spice than your traditional veggies.” – Lyne

Super Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe – Ottawa Mommy Club

“Finally the warm weather is here to stay, and now it’s the time for some BBQ fun and summer activities! Our family loves to make homemade guacamole recipe to eat with hamburgers, fahitas, quesadillas, or tortilla chips. You will find below our delicious homemade guacamole recipe!” – Lyne

MEXICAN STREET CORN CASSEROLE – Salt & Baker

“This Mexican street corn casserole is a Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for taco Tuesdays, summertime, and any time the cravings for Elote appear. This dish is full of delicious Mexican street corn spices, queso fresco cheese, and cilantro. This casserole is the perfect side to our Mexican Lasagna, Mexican quinoa, and sheet pan chicken fajitas.” – Whitney

Crab Guacamole – Cooked by Julie

“Good guacamole consists of ripe avocados and fresh ingredients. Have you ever been to a Mexican restaurant where they prepare the guacamole in front of you? There is no secret recipe. Fresh cilantro, lime juice, red onions, avocados, salt, and jalapenos are all you need. Regular guacamole is delicious, but crab guacamole? Holy Guacamole. So good! Hot Crab Dip was a very successful recipe on the blog, so I know you guys love crab! This guacamole goes great on top of some Carne Asada Tacos.” – Julie

Instant Pot Spanish Rice – Happy Mothering

“Making Spanish Rice (also known as Mexican Rice or Arroz Rojo (red rice)) on the stove top can be challenging. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to make flavorful Spanish rice that comes out perfect every single time.” – Chrystal

Salsa Fresca – What a Girl Eats

“Salsa fresca is a quick, easy, and fresh homemade salsa. This easy salsa recipe is a great way to use fresh garden tomatoes.” – Cynthia

Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe – Happy Mothering

“One of the best things about getting burritos and burrito bowls from Chipotle is the Cilantro Lime Rice… it’s so tasty!” – Chrystal

Mexican Corn – Amanda’s Cookin’

“Mexican Corn on the cob with cotija cheese, mayo and Latin spices is the perfect summer food! Enjoy this Mexican street food anytime with this easy recipe! I’ve made this several times alongside my shrimp tacos.” – Amanda

NEW MEXICAN CHILE CON QUESO – Food Meanderings

“The understated thrill of the road trip is in the realization that you have the choice to keep going; to never come back. Responsibility washes over and away from me in a wave of relief. I exhale. I stare out the window. I sleep. I dream.” – Terri

Entree

Microwave Sweet Corn Tomalito – Tikkido

“Do you love sweet corn tomalito as much as I do?  What, you don’t know what I mean?  You might, actually, but might not know the name.  Many Mexican restaraunts serve a little scoop of this sweet cornmeal pudding mush along with whatever you ordered.  It’s kind of like a sweet, firm polenta, with delightful corn flavor.” – Nikki

Mexican Street Tacos – Carne Asada – Saving You Dinero

“We are a Mexican Street Tacos loving family! Since we lived in Mexico for 12 years – we know what a good taco tastes like. Living in the US is really hard when you know how good Mexican tacos should taste, but all the US Mexican Restaurants claim to make good tacos – but they really don’t! (Mexican Tacos never have cheddar cheese or lettuce on them!)” – Janell

Sopa De Tortilla Receta ~ Sopa Azteca (Tortilla Soup Recipe) – Sugar Spice N’ Everything Nice

“This authentic tortilla soup recipe or Sopa de Tortilla Receta is made with tomatoes, and chicken or vegetable broth along with spicy flavors from pasilla peppers (pasilla chile or chile pasilla ). This traditional soup recipe is delicious and a great option for a comforting weeknight dinner. ” – Akshita

Chile Verde Pork {Slow Cooker Recipe} – What a Girl Eats

“Chile verde or green chile pork is a slow cooker recipe that’s perfect any time of year! Pork shoulder or butt is seasoned with Hatch green chiles and spicy seasonings and cooked low and slow, until it’s fork tender. It’s also gluten free and low-carb.” – Cynthia

Chicken Enchiladas with Red Enchilada Sauce – Happy Mothering

“I have been baking this chicken enchiladas recipe from scratch for nearly 30 years now! It’s a family favorite for dinner on Mexican food night, so it’s on regular rotation in our meal plans.” – Chrystal

How to Make Tamales Step by Step – Happy Mothering

“Do you want to learn how to cook an authentic Mexican tamales recipe? Learn how to make Black Bean & Green Chile tamales step by step for dinner!” – Chrystal

AIR FRYER TAQUITOS – Emily Fabulous

“These Air Fryer Taquitos are quick, easy, and delicious! Everyone in your family will love these and the possibilities of what to put inside and on top are endless!” – Emily

AIR FRYER CHIMICHANGAS – Emily Fabulous

“Make these Air Fryer Chimichangas for a delicious and healthier version of the favorite Mexican dish. Use your favorite filling and condiments and you will have a fast and easy weeknight meal everyone will love!” – Emily

Mexican Chicken Marinade – Little Sunny Kitchen

“Make this fresh Mexican Chicken Marinade to season all of your favorite cuts of chicken, make chicken for tacos, or delicious chicken for burritos.The spices in this marinade give chicken a warm, spicy, and bright flavor with minimal effort.” – Diana

Mexican Stuffed Peppers – Little Sunny Kitchen

“Mexican stuffed peppers are a healthy, colorful, and comforting dinner that you can make in just 30 minutes. The peppers are stuffed with a tasty well-seasoned filling made with brown rice, and ground turkey or chicken, they’re then topped with some melty cheese. Perfect for a quick mid-week dinner, and meal prep.” – Diana

Christina’s Quick and Easy Tortilla Soup – Christina’s Cucina

“Quick and easy tortilla soup will become one of your favorite year round soups. Make it lighter in summer and heartier in winter!” – Christina

Green Chicken Enchiladas (Easy Green Chile Sauce) – Christina’s Cucina

“Green chicken enchiladas are filled with tasty shredded chicken and fresh cheese, topped with a delicious Hatch chile sauce and topped with more cheese, and baked until bubbly and beautiful!” – Christina

OUTSTANDING CHICKEN ENCHILADAS WITH A TANGY ROASTED TOMATILLO SAUCE – Trendgredient

“Spicy, tangy chicken enchiladas are on the menu today! My chicken enchilada recipe uses slow cooked chicken breast, rich tomatillo sauce, fresh cilantro and lime, and three types of salty cheese: queso fresco, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar. One bite of these enchiladas will send you over the edge in the best possible way. If you pair these enchiladas with a Hot Honey Mojito(mocktail OR cocktail), your taste buds will thank you.” – Alea

BEEF TOSTADAS – Cooked By Julie

“These quick and easy beef tostadas are a real crowd-pleaser. Made with ground beef, refried beans, and all the fixings. Serve with lime wedges, hot sauce, extra sour cream and you’re in business! ” – Julie

SLOW COOKER PORK CARNITAS RECIPE (GLUTEN-FREE) – Food Meanderings

“These Authentic Slow Cooker Crispy Pork Carnitas are not only healthier than your typical carnitas, they are gluten-free! If you love pulled pork, you’ll love carnitas (the Mexican version of Pulled Pork)!” – Terri

Cauliflower tacos – Emily Learly

“These delicious cauliflower tacos are naturally low carb and utterly delicious. ” – Emily

Dessert

Mexican S’mores – Budget Delicious

“S’mores lovers are going to love this warm and spicy twist on the traditional campfire classic. Mexican S’mores are made with a few surprises that you will love, and we’re going to show you how to make them with or without a campfire.” – Bintu

Mexican Wedding Cookies (Snowball Cookies) – Liv for Cake

“These Mexican Wedding Cookies (also known as Snowball Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes) are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Pecan cookies with a hint of cinnamon, dusted with powdered sugar.“- Olivia

Caramel Macchiato Tres Leche Cake – Saving you Dinero

“It may look like there are a lot of steps to this cake but it’s not very difficult. You are making the cake and icing from scratch – so it’s even more delicious!” – Janel

MARRANITOS (PUERQUITOS)  – Mamma Maggies Kitchen

“Marranitos (Puerquitos) are soft and chewy Mexican piggy cookies. Made with piloncillo, spices, and plenty of butter for the best flavor. No wonder they are one of the most popular Mexican sweet breads. ” – Maggie

MEXICAN RICE PUDDING (ARROZ CON LECHE) – Salt & Baker

“This Mexican Rice Pudding (Arroz con Leche) is the reason God invented rice. This rice pudding is ultra creamy and infused with vanilla and hints of cinnamon. Enjoy this simple dessert hot or cold. Whichever way you choose to eat it, I can guarantee you’ll love it! ” – Whitney

Strawberry Horchata – The Six Figure Dish

“This Mexican Strawberry Horchata is one of the most refreshing drinks to enjoy during the summer or even the holidays. White rice is soaked in water overnight with cinnamon. This rice mixture is later blended and strained and mixed with fresh strawberry puree and sweetened condensed milk. Honestly, this strawberry horchata is dessert in a glass and my family can’t get enough! If you enjoyed this Mexican strawberry horchata recipe, you will definitely love this Horchata Tres Leches Cake or this Chocolate Tres Leches Cake.” – Danielle

Mexican Sprinkle Sugar Cookie – The Six Figure Dish

“Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because you absolutely love doing it, these Mexican Sprinkle Sugar Cookies will become your new favorite cookie to bake! These sprinkle cookies are soft, buttery and little bit chewy on the inside. They’re loaded with nonpareils sprinkles which give them a little sweetness and crunch on the outside. They’re made in just 35 minutes and the best part is, there is no need to chill the dough! Speaking of not chilling the dough, if you love cookie recipes that don’t require chilled dough, try these Blueberry Chocolate Chip Cookies!” – Danielle

COCONUT LIME TRES LECHES CAKE – Food Meanderings

“Cinco de Mayo is coming and if you’re looking for a delicious Mexican dessert to celebrate with, then this Coconut Lime Tres Leches Cake is for you!” – Terri

Cinco De Mayo Decorated Cookies – Buttercream Parties

“Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays, mostly because my favorite type of cuisine is Mexican food. I don’t have any preference on it either, I will eat real, authentic Mexican food, Americanized Mexican food, and Taco Bell. Every Cinco de Mayo, I cook my family a large meal so we have leftovers the next day.” – Leah

Mexican Paletas Popsicles – Budget Delicious

“These colorful Mexican Paletas (fruity popsicles), made with four ingredients are easy to make and refreshing on hot summer days.” -Bintu

Churro Cookies – Owl B Baking

“Churro Cookies bring all the taste and looks of real churros, but no frying required! These cookies have a crunchy, crisp outer layer and the inside is soft, tender and buttery. These cookies make a great dessert for Cinco de Mayo or anytime you’re craving a churro!” – Liz

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CANDY SKULLS – Muy Bueno Cookbook

“It’s not a proper Dia de los Muertos party without some homemade, colorful sugar candy skulls! Every year I like to involve my children as we celebrate the Day of the Dead by either making a recipe or a craft to celebrate the occasion. This project we incorporated both – a tasty treat and a colorful craft project all in one!” – Yvette