Halloween: A Worldwide Celebration

USA

Halloween in the USA is a vibrant and boisterous celebration that grows more popular each year. Americans go all out for this spooky night, transforming it into a spectacular extravaganza

Costumes: One of the most cherished traditions is dressing up in terrifying costumes. From witches and ghosts to vampires and superheroes, the options are endless. Both children and adults embrace the opportunity to become their favorite fictional characters
"Trick or treat!": A beloved childhood ritual involves going door-to-door collecting candy. Costumed kids knock on doors, shouting "Trick or treat!" and are rewarded with sweet treats. If the homeowners don't offer any candy, the kids might play a harmless prank or give a little scare
Pumpkins: Jack-o'-lanterns are an iconic symbol of Halloween. Carved with menacing faces and lit from within, these glowing pumpkins adorn porches and gardens
Decorations: Homes are transformed into spooky scenes, adorned with cobwebs, ghosts, skeletons, and other eerie decorations

Mexico

In Mexico, Halloween is celebrated very differently from the USA. Here this holiday merges with ancient Indian traditions and turns into the touching and colorful Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). This is a time when Mexicans honor the memory of their departed ancestors, believing that on this night the souls return to Earth

Altars: The central element of the holiday is altars that families build in their homes or in cemeteries. It is believed that the souls of the dead can feed on the energy of these offerings
Sugar skulls: A symbol of the Day of the Dead is colorful sugar skulls that are decorated with various patterns and the names of the deceased. They are given to each other, left on altars and even eaten
Costumes: People dress up as skeletons, witches, Catrinas (a female skeleton, a symbol of the holiday) and other mystical characters
Parades: Colorful parades take place in the streets of cities, with participants dressed in traditional costumes and masks
Cemetery visits: On the night of November 2, people visit cemeteries, decorate graves and spend time there with their deceased relatives

Ireland

It is Ireland that is considered the birthplace of Halloween. The roots of this holiday go back to the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, which was celebrated on October 31st. The Celts believed that on this night the boundary between the world of the living and the dead becomes thin, and the souls of the dead can move freely between worlds

Samhain bonfires: The oldest tradition is lighting large bonfires. It was believed that fire purifies and protects against evil spirits. People jumped over the bonfire to cleanse themselves and ensure good luck in the new year
Costumes: People dressed in costumes of spirits, monsters and other mystical creatures to confuse evil spirits and protect themselves
Apples: A popular pastime was fishing for apples from a basin of water with your teeth. It was believed that whoever caught an apple would soon meet their love
Divination: On the night of Samhain, people divined the future, using various objects and rituals

Thailand

Halloween in Thailand is a relatively new holiday that is actively picked up by young people and tourists. However, it does not have such deep historical roots as in Western countries. Nevertheless, Thais celebrate this holiday with pleasure, bringing their national characteristics to it

Costumed parties: Perhaps this is the brightest manifestation of Halloween in Thailand. Young people gladly dress up in costumes of witches, zombies, vampires, and other mystical characters
Decorations: Streets, shops, restaurants, and homes are decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, ghosts, and other Halloween attributes
Special menus: Many establishments offer themed dishes and drinks, decorated in the style of Halloween
Connection with local beliefs: Interestingly, Halloween in Thailand is associated with the local legend of the ghost Mae Nak. This gives the holiday a special flavor and makes it more interesting for Thais

France

Halloween in France is an interesting blend of tradition and modern trends. Although this holiday is not originally French, it is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people

Connection with All Saints' Day: In France, Halloween is closely linked to the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day (November 1). Many people combine the celebration of these two days, visiting cemeteries and laying flowers on the graves of the deceased
More relaxed atmosphere: Compared to other countries where Halloween is often associated with noisy parties, in France the holiday is celebrated more calmly and in a family-friendly way
Children's parties: Halloween is also popular among children. French youth dress up as ghosts, spirits, and other evil spirits, and have fun parties. Children knock on doors and beg for candy

In conclusion

Regardless of the country, Halloween is a wonderful opportunity to have fun, try on new images and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of mystery and magic. Have a fun and spooky time!

And if you decide to go on a Halloween trip, your personal guide from FindGuide will make your adventure unique!