I’ve been teasing you about my epic Halloween plans. Ready to find out where I’m travelling?

Last year, I went to Candy Spooky / Satan, Torture Garden, and a Goth wedding in Tokyo. This time, I’m experiencing a new country and celebrating a legendary festival: Day of the Dead.

Si, amigos: I’ll soon be in Mazatlan, Mexico, courtesy of the tourism board!

This will be my first time in Mexico. Never been interested in places like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo (we Goths aren’t exactly spring-break-lie-on-the-beach types). But I’m fascinated by Mexican dark art and festivals, especially dia de los muertos, and Mazatlan is a cultural center. Sugar skull makeup, graveyard ceremonies, bread of the dead!

My trip’s not all play. I’m hosting and producing a travel video about Mazatlan’s Gothic/spooky culture, so you’ll be able to see the celebrations up close. Of course, I’ll find time to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Coast beaches.

Can’t wait to sample the fresh seafood (fish tacos!) and do a photoshoot in the Gothic-Baroque Mazatlan Cathedral, completed in 1899. (Previous two photos by Rob Lee via Creative Commons.)

The big question… what to wear on the most important day of the year? Heavy Red, the LA Gothic brand that made my costume last year, has a new Dark Alice design.

Innocent and vulnerable, yet undeniably sexy — the finely-made costume is inspired by the heroine whirling down the rabbit hole. Heavy Red’s Alice en déshabillé in Wonderland costume is a unique vision of dark beauty, customizable in a variety of ways.

Unlike most Halloween costumes, this is a quality garment, available in size small through 3X. There’s still plenty of time to order (with express shipping, US customers can get it the next day, and international takes 3-5 days).

Noir Alice costume is available by itself (cream dress, blue corset, harlequin stockings included) or with an accessory package (net and ruffle gloves, necklace of choice, temporary tattoo of choice, decorative pocket watch, costume ring, black teacup handmade hat).

Don’t have a Halloween costume yet, and looking for something very special? I hope you’ll consider Heavy Red’s beautiful selection here — you’ll be belle of the ball!

What will La Carmina wear for Day of the Dead? Only time will tell. I have a feeling this will be my spookiest Halloween yet. (Photo by Demonbaby)

The gorgeous sugar skull photos are by Glitter Machine in Vancouver, the team that did my Alt Noir shoot. Wardrobe and styling by Deadly Couture and Tracy Cake. For full credits and more pics, see this and this Facebook album.

Have you ever been to Mazatlan, or anywhere in Mexico? Recommendations, please! Which cultural aspects would you like to see in the travel video?

And what are your plans for Halloween 2011?