Some people look forward to Halloween with excitement, while others avoid it like the plague. Whether or not you observe the event, there is no denying the significant impact it has had and continues to have on many cultures all over the world.
If you are interested in knowing how Halloween is celebrated in other parts of the world, the following is a list of some countries that are big fans of the event!
America (United States)
Around the middle of September, retailers all over the United States start stocking up on Halloween decorations and other paraphernalia in preparation for the spooky season. This October festival is extensively recognized, therefore many companies, including restaurants, coffee shops, and other establishments, begin to tailor parts of their menu items and events to fit the theme. One of the distinctive characteristics of Halloween in the United States is the flexibility with which the holiday can be observed. In several regions of the world, Halloween is primarily seen as a festival celebrated by children, with the primary focus being placed on sweets, parties, and costumes. However, even adults residing in the United States participate in the festivities by attending Halloween-themed parties, visiting haunted homes, dressing up in costume, and engaging in other Halloween-related activities.
Canada
Halloween is observed in Canada in a manner that is extremely analogous to that observed by their southern neighbors. On Halloween night, children dressed in costumes go door-to-door asking neighbors for candy, and adults attend parties with a Halloween theme wearing costumes. You might also find local companies and/or schools in Canada conducting pumpkin carving competitions, costume contests, live readings, and other types of activities over the Halloween season.
Mexico
In Mexico, Halloween is largely celebrated on October 31st, and the day is known as “Da de las Brujas,” which literally translates to “day of the witches.” In the United States, Halloween is observed on October 31st. The celebration is focused mostly on entertaining young children. Kids will be dressing up in costumes and going door to door to collect candy as part of the Halloween tradition known as trick or treating. The children who live in Mexico, on the other hand, call out “Queremos Halloween!” which literally translates to “we want Halloween” rather than “trick or treat.” Even while it is not as widespread as it is in the United States and Canada, adults will sometimes get dressed up and attend parties. The true celebrations don’t begin until the following week, when the monumental holiday of Dia de los Muertos takes place on November 1st and 2nd. This is when the party really gets going. This beautiful celebration takes precedence over Halloween in Mexico because it honors the ancestors of Mexican people and the members of their families who have passed away.
Kingdom of England
When compared to the countries on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Halloween in the United Kingdom is not quite as big of a deal as it is in those countries. In recent years, it has seen an increase in popularity thanks to the Americanization of Halloween traditions that have made their way over to the UK. On the other hand, children do not typically participate in the tradition of trick or treating while wearing costumes, as is common in the United States and Canada. The costumes worn by adults at themed events in the UK are usually invariably something “scary,” despite the fact that adults also attend these gatherings (witches, ghouls, zombies, horror figures). Samhain celebrations are held by certain people in the United Kingdom in order to pay homage to the Celtic roots of the Halloween festival. A lengthy Halloween festivity that lasts for four days may also be seen in Northern Ireland. The festivities associated with Halloween are quite little when compared to those associated with the more well-known holiday.
Australia
Despite the fact that Halloween is becoming an increasingly popular holiday in Australia, it will be some time before the holiday is as deeply embedded in Australian culture as it is in the cultures of the United States or Canada. This is especially true when one considers the fact that some Australians view the holiday as being very “American.” Despite this, many of the customs have been abandoned. Trick-or-treating excursions for children are typically planned in advance and carried out in groups led by their parents. Halloween celebrations for adults typically consist of attending parties or activities hosted by businesses. At addition, screenings and marathons with a Halloween theme will be held in theaters. Ghost tours and parties held inside of haunted buildings are extremely common among people who desire a thrilling experience.
India
The celebration of Halloween in India is low-key and focused entirely on the goal of being something enjoyable to do. Officials and religious people in India have voiced their disapproval of the event due to the fact that it celebrates the passing of the dead, which is contrary to several of their traditions. Despite this, Halloween’s reputation as a holiday that is celebrated only for the sake of having fun is quickly expanding across India. Businesses in more urbanized places, like as Delhi and Mumbai, throw Halloween parties and other activities for children, during which the children can dress up in costumes and eat candy. There are even eateries that provide food with a Halloween theme! Halloween is a beloved festival in India despite the fact that it has not been formally included into the culture of the country. This is similar to the situation with the western-influenced holidays of Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Ireland
It is possible that, of all the countries in Europe, the Halloween customs that are largest and most fascinating can be found in Ireland. Because of the significance of the holiday’s place in Celtic culture, it has nearly completely avoided extinction. It all begins with the customs associated with Samhain… Samhain was a festival that took place in ancient Ireland at the end of summer and the beginning of winter. In the time in between these two phases, the realm of the living would become accessible to the spirits of the departed. People in the area would set fires in order to ward off evil spirits. Samhain eventually became synonymous with All Hallows’ Eve as a result of the widespread conversion to Christianity that took place in Ireland about the eighth century. At some point in the future, western Halloween will be celebrated in Ireland alongside the country’s traditional celebrations. Today, Halloween in Ireland is observed in much the same way as it is in the United States, with activities such as “tricking or treating,” enormous parties, carnivals, games, events, costumes, and pranks, among other things.