Of all the yearly festivals, Halloween is without a doubt one of the most fun, and offers the greatest opportunity to get creative and go a little wild! The point of Halloween is, of course, to be scared, dress up, and communicate with the dead, and these are pretty common factors no matter where you are celebrating. It is important to remember, however, that this festival is celebrated and enjoyed in different ways across the globe. To help extend the Halloween spirit, we have taken a look at a key question: how is Halloween celebrated in other countries?
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1. The UK
The Celtic festival of Samhain was said to celebrate the time when the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to cross over from their world and into ours.
2. China
China also celebrates Halloween as a night to commemorate the dead, and people will often light flying red lanterns to help guide the spirits of those who have passed home. Food and drinks are left as an offering, and spirits are believed to roam the Earth for 24 hours.
3. Mexico
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a famous festival that happens at the same time as Halloween and can be easily recognized thanks to the distinctive makeup and artwork as well as colorful costumes and designs. This whole event has a carnival-like atmosphere, with street parties and festivals aplenty, and food and drink are left as an offering to the spirits who choose to visit.
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4. Belgium
Photo via European Best Destinations
The black cat tradition is strong in Belgium, and never more than around Halloween Night. Here, any unfortunate kitties who cross the path of a stranger are shooed away, lest the person incite bad luck! Candles are also lit to honor the souls of ancestors and spirits, and this is very much a time for reflection and remembrance.
5. Czechoslovakia
The Czech people also carry on this tradition of remembrance. People pull up a chair by the fire for every deceased family member so that they can sit awhile with the living and be remembered.
6. Transylvania
Photo via Borders of Adventure
The home of the iconic Dracula, Transylvania comes to life on Halloween night, with tours of the famous castle, street parties, and plenty of scares…
7. India
If you’re visiting India, Delhi in particular is a top pick for all things Halloween. The costume competitions can get incredible competitive, so make sure you’re feeling creative!
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8. The USA
The USA’s love of Halloween is common knowledge, and trick-or-treating, parties, and plenty of candy are sure to be high up on the agenda!
9. Sweden
Pumpkins are a large part of the fun when it comes to celebrating a Swedish Halloween! This tradition most likely originates from the Celtic origins of the holiday which still permeate Europe.
10. Botswana
When it comes to Halloween in Botswana, the street parties are spectacular -- you’re sure to get straight into the spooky spirit in no time!
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References:
- That Oregon Life
- Smithsonian Mag
- Pxhere
- Festival-Collection
- European Best Destinations
- The Travel Magazine
- Borders of Adventure
- Times of India
- Sweden.se
- Xinhuanet News
