World Dracula Day – Aspasía S. Bissas

26/05/202325/10/2023

World Dracula Day: Vintage Swag

It’s that time of year again when we pay homage to the monster that brought vampires to the masses, the Count himself: Dracula.

As you can imagine, Dracula has sparked imaginations countless time since Bram Stoker’s novel was first published in 1897. The number of onscreen adaptations alone could keep you occupied for a lifetime. But today we’re focusing on a few of the products that have made it to market over the years– apologies if you have the sudden urge to start scouring flea markets and online ads…

Dracula Cha-Cha, 1960

The cover art alone makes this album by Bob McFadden worth seeking out…

The Dracula Cookbook, 1978

Featuring “authentic Transylvanian recipes” by Marina Polvay. Not gonna lie– I want a copy.

(Someone posted a few shots of the book on instagram, including a recipe for Veal Roast. Take a look here.)

The Dracula Cookbook of Blood, 1993

If you’re looking for something more along the lines of what Dracula himself would eat, Ardin C. Price’s recipes all feature blood. I wouldn’t say no to this one, either (although I don’t think I’d make any of the recipes.)

(There are also shots of this book on instagram, including a recipe for Totoga– Roasted Pig Organs. Take a look here.)

Genuine Soil from Dracula’s Castle, 1979

One gram of soil in a coffin amulet, and it comes with a certificate of authenticity. Just in case Dracula needs to crash at your place and doesn’t have any native soil on him.

Dracula Statuette, 1930s to 1940s

Commissioned by Bela Lugosi himself to give to friends, it’s rumoured that only 25 were made, and of those only a few are left. Happy hunting!

Dracula: A Toy Theatre, 1979

Based on Edward Gorey’s original designs for the set of the 1977 theatre adaptation of Dracula. An updated version of the toy theatre is still in print.

I Vant to Bite Your Finger: The Dracula Game, 1979

I actually got to play this once when I was a kid, and I’ve got to say it’s pretty fun to get a vampire bite– even if it is only red marker dots on your finger. There are other Dracula games out there, but there might not be any better ones.

Dracula Model Kit, 1962

Made by the Aurora company, these were meant to be assembled and painted. Some people like model planes, some like model monsters.

Dracula Dolls, 1980s to 1990s

These are probably the easiest items to find; it would be fun to collect as many variations as possible.

Do you have any of these? Which would you want to get if you could? Share in the comments…

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

The Count isn’t the only fanged fiend out there– download my books now and meet some new monsters…

Aspasia S. Bissas books: Love Lies Bleeding, Blood Magic, Tooth & Claw, book, books, free book, free books, freebies, freebie, free ebook, free ebooks, vampire, vampires, dark fantasy, dark romance, historical fiction, gothic fiction, gothic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, horror, dark reads, indie author, indie fiction, strong female protagonist, aspasiasbissas.com

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29/05/202225/10/2023

Quote of the Day 75

Quote of the Day, blog post by Aspasia S. Bissas, aspasiasbissas.com. "Listen to them-- children of the night. What music they make." Bram Stoker, Dracula

Always a favourite…

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

26/05/202225/10/2023

World Dracula Day: 6 Places to Visit

Close on the heels of World Goth Day comes World Dracula Day. It might be sunny springtime where you live, but this is the week to ignore the singing birds and blooming flowers, and channel your dark side (for those of you who don’t already do that year round anyway). What better way to immerse yourself in all things Dracula than by visiting the places associated with the Count?

(Note: I won’t be including any sites that focus exclusively on Vlad Dracul/Vlad the Impaler. While he has his own blood-soaked history, his connection to Stoker’s Dracula, in my opinion at least, doesn’t go much further than the name.)

Bran Castle, Transylvania

The only castle in Transylvania that fits Stoker’s description, Bran Castle is widely considered to be “Dracula’s castle.” If the beautiful building and rich history aren’t enough for you, the castle regularly offers special exhibitions. Until November 2022, there’s an exhibition on the Making of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. For general vampire entertainment there’s a “History of Dreads in Transylvania,” which includes the strigoi, among other myths and legends. If the onsite restaurant is open when you go, you can try the “Count’s Dessert” (chocolate cake with raspberry sauce, fresh fruit, and rose petal powder).

“Golden Crown” Hotel, Transylvania

After Stoker published Dracula, tourists started showing up in Transylvania. From the start they were looking to stay in the same hotel that Jonathan Harker spent a night in (The Golden Crown). The hotel didn’t exist, but some enterprising soul realized it would be a great idea to build it. The Coroana de Aur (“Golden Crown” in Romanian) hotel in Bistrita doesn’t have much in common with the inn Harker stayed at, but there is a Jonathan Harker Salon at the restaurant. You can also order authentic Mămăligă (polenta) like Harker ate. No word on whether they also offer stuffed aubergines.

The Dracula Experience, Whitby

Live actors and special effects tell the story of Dracula and how the town of Whitby relates to it. The “Experience” has been described as a story set in a haunted house, which is appropriate since the building it’s in is apparently centuries old and haunted. To explore the building’s ghost sightings and other paranormal activity, a Paranormal Night takes place the first Saturday of every month (no special effects here).

St. Mary’s Churchyard and Whitby Abbey, Whitby

The graveyard at St. Mary’s Church is the setting and inspiration for a number of scenes in Dracula. Try to see how many of the character’s names you can find on the gravestones (Stoker borrowed a few of them). On the way to the church, you can climb the 199 steps that a black dog (Dracula in another form) was seen running up in the book.

Whitby Abbey by Mat Fascione is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

And while you’re there make sure to make the 100 metre (340 feet) trek from St. Mary’s to Whitby Abbey, another source of Stoker’s inspiration. Explore the ruins before checking out the on-site museum and shop. The Abbey hosts all kinds of Dracula-themed events (this year they’re trying to break the world record for the Largest Gathering of People Dressed Like Vampires), so check the schedule before you go.

Bram Stoker’s Grave, London

If you’re in London, you can go pay your respects at the final resting place of the man who brought the world Dracula. You do need to book ahead because the building is kept locked. If you can’t make it there in person, you can leave a virtual flower in his honour.

These are just a few of the Dracula-related places to visit, and I expect more will open as tourism eventually returns to normal. Do you have a favourite Dracula-themed place or event? Share in the comments…

Don’t forget to give other vampires some love too– download my books today!

Cheers,

Aspasía S. Bissas

30/04/202225/10/2023

Calling All Vampires…

In honour of the 125th anniversary of the publication of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, English Heritage is hoping to break the world record for “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Vampires.” The current record involves 1039 people, and EH hopes to get 1897 participants of all ages (1897 being the year Dracula was published).

The event will take place at Whitby Abbey in northeastern England. Stoker spent time in Whitby, finding inspiration there for parts of Dracula.

Would-be vampires must adhere to a dress code: “full traditional vampire fancy dress costume,” which includes black pants or a dress, waistcoat and white shirt, a black cape or collared overcoat (lining doesn’t need to be black), black shoes, and fangs over your top teeth.