Alfeñique fair facts for kids
The Alfeñique Fair (or Feria del Alfeñique) is a special yearly event. It happens in the city of Toluca, Mexico. At this fair, sellers offer traditional sugar skulls with names on their foreheads. They also sell candies in many fun shapes. These sweets are used to celebrate the Mexican holiday Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Chocolate and sugar skulls help decorate altars made for loved ones who have passed away.
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What is the Alfeñique Fair?
The Alfeñique Fair is a big market where people buy unique sweets. These sweets are mainly sugar skulls and other candy figures. They are an important part of the Day of the Dead celebrations. Families use them to decorate special altars. These altars honor and remember family members and friends who have died.
When and Where Does it Happen?
The fair usually runs from mid-October to early November. This timing is perfect for the Day of the Dead holiday. Many sellers set up their stalls at Los Portales, a famous area with arches in Toluca. Here, you can find all sorts of sugar skulls and candies. Each year, there is also a contest. Prizes are given for the best sugar skull and the most beautifully decorated stall.
The History of Alfeñique
The word "Alfeñique" comes from an Arabic word, "alfainid." It describes a sweet pastry made from cooked sugar stretched into very thin layers. This sweet tradition arrived in Mexico with the Spanish.
How Alfeñique Began in Mexico
Before the Spanish arrived, the Aztecs made similar figures. They used amaranth seeds to create figurines for their altars. These were like the first "alfeñiques" in the Americas. During colonial times, nuns helped make "alfeñique" a special tradition. They used these sugar figures in October and November to celebrate Day of the Dead.
Other Alfeñique Fairs
Toluca is not the only place with an Alfeñique Fair. Another important annual fair happens in the city of Guanajuato.
See also
In Spanish: Feria del Alfeñique para niños
