It's the day before Halloween and children everywhere are gearing up for a full-day sugar spree and plenty of costumed chaos. But let's not forget the other celebratory holiday that follows directly on the heels of Halloween - El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Beginning at midnight on October 31st and lasting through November 2nd, this Mexican holiday commemorates the lives of the deceased with a gathering of friends and family in graveyards. Its origins are not associated with the eerie backstory of Halloween, but the festive sugar skulls, atole and Pan de Muertos that are served on the holiday do fit right in during the spooky season. These sugar skull-inspired brownie cookies are a simple way to celebrate the two holidays in one fell swoop, and decorating them at a Halloween party is a sweet alternative to pumpkin carving if you're trying to avoid the combination of knives and large groups of intoxicated people. Colored with extra dark cocoa powder, these vegan treats are spiced with cayenne and cinnamon as an homage to Mexican flavors. Bake a big batch, mix as many shades of icing as you can muster and let your friends decorate until dawn.

Read on for Devour's previous coverage of  El Dia de los Muertos and have an epic double holiday this week:

• Raise a Glass of Atole de Calabaza for Day of the Dead
• Skeletons and All, El Dia De Los Muertos Is a Time for Rejoicing