How to Dress as a Spanish Inquisitor for Halloween

The Spanish Inquisition was a holy reform started by the Catholic secular and religious rulers of Spain around 1490. An inquisitor would usually dress grandly, in garb that can make an impressive costume around Halloween.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Black or red graduation robes
• 1 yard red or black polyester or nylon fabric
• Lighter or matches
• Safety pin
• Black or red socks
• Gold trim
• Flat leather shoes or Birkenstock-like sandals
• Gold cross on chain

1. Attach two rows of gold trim around the bottom of each sleeve of the graduation gown. You can use a hot glue gun to attach the trim, or sew it on. Sewed trim will last longer, if you plan on wearing this costume again.

2. Cut a half circle out of the red or black fabric (the color should match your graduation robe). From the half circle, in the center of the flat side, cut a small 8" diameter half circle again. This makes the cape that an inquisitor would have worn.

3. Burn around all of the edges of the cape slightly. This will melt the fabric slightly so that it won't start shredding as you wear it.

4. Put on the graduation gown and wrap the cape around your shoulders. Use the safety pin to secure the cape.

5. Finish dressing with your matching socks or tights, then your shoes or sandals. Place the gold cross around your neck. You are now a Spanish Inquisitor, ready to have fun at your favorite costume party.

Tips & Warnings

• You can often get graduation gowns at second hand stores, or you may even be able to have a local school order an additional one for you in the spring.
• You can make a gold cross by cutting out a cross shape in cardboard, then spray painting it gold. A yellow shoe string can double as a chain.
• If the fabric does not melt evenly, sew around the edge of the cape so that it doesn't fray. You also may be able to purchase a small cape from a costume shop, or at a second hand store.