Sink Your Teeth into Dracula Day at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve!

It's that time of year again, folks! The veil between worlds thins, the nights grow longer, and shadows dance with a touch more menace – yes, it's Dracula Day! Celebrated on May 26th, this day marks the anniversary of Bram Stoker's chilling masterpiece, Dracula, a novel that cemented the vampire's place in our collective imagination.

Here at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve, we take all things monstrous seriously, and Dracula certainly fits the bill. But beyond the capes and fangs, Dracula represents a fascinating exploration of folklore, superstition, and the enduring fear of the unknown.

Did you know?

• The inspiration for Dracula's castle may have come from Bran Castle in Romania, a real-life structure steeped in legend, including tales of Vlad the Impaler, a historical figure known for his cruelty.

• Stoker incorporated elements of Eastern European folklore, including the strigoi, a blood-sucking revenant said to rise from the grave.

• The vampire's aversion to sunlight and religious symbols like crucifixes likely stemmed from earlier myths about demons and the undead.

Speaking of the undead, have you heard the whispers about the Jersey Devil? This winged, bipedal cryptid from South Jersey shares some interesting parallels with Dracula. Both are nocturnal creatures with a thirst for blood, and both inspire fear and fascination in equal measure.

Celebrate Dracula Day at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve!

Throughout the week of May 26th, join us for a series of fang-tastic events:

• Storytelling hour: Hear chilling tales of vampires and other blood-sucking legends from around the world.

• Creature Feature: We'll be screening classic Dracula films, from Bela Lugosi's iconic portrayal to more modern interpretations.

• Workshop: Defend Yourself from the Dark Side: Learn about folklore's methods for warding off vampires and other creatures of the night (for entertainment purposes only, of course!).

So, whether you're a seasoned monster hunter or a curious newcomer, come celebrate Dracula Day with us at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve! We guarantee a fang-tastic time (see what we did there?).