Explore Halloween celebrations around the world

Halloween is a time for people to dress up, decorate their homes, throw parties, etc. But have you ever wondered if Halloween is celebrated the same way around the world?

In fact, many cultures have their own versions of Halloween. And these celebrations may have different names and different meanings. Let’s find out!

Day of the Dead – Mexico

The most famous festival after Halloween in the West is the Day of the Dead, a festival typical of Mexico. This festival takes place on November 1 and 2, one day after Halloween. At this time, families will meet and celebrate together, remembering the souls of their ancestors and deceased family members.

While smaller festivals are held throughout Mexico, the main celebration that attracts the world’s media is held in Mexico City. The celebration includes the most amazing parade with music, decorated floats, acrobats, dancers, entertainers and elaborate, spectacular costumes.

Dragon Hunting Festival Samhain – England

Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival that marks the change of year from the milder summer half to the colder winter half. Pagans believed that the wall between this world and the afterlife was thinnest on Samhain, allowing the spirits of ancestors to pass through and celebrate with their loved ones.

The colourful Glastonbury dragons are paraded through the town on the Saturday closest to Samhain. People dress up and dance in the streets to music alongside the dragons, and the King of Winter is paraded through the town before taking part in a sacred sunset ceremony where he raises a flaming sword.

Chinese Ghost Festival

Western culture is also embraced by young people in China and Asia. However, in this country, there is also a time dedicated to the deceased, commonly known as the Ghost Month in the 7th lunar month.

This is a month-long festival mainly in China and some Asian countries. According to the concept, this is the only time of the year for the souls of the deceased to return to visit their families. Along with that are some customs such as offering paper offerings, food or money…

Greenwich Village Halloween Parade – New York, USA

You can’t visit New York this time of year without being swept up in the excitement of a special festival. It’s the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade! This annual event attracts thousands of visitors who want to take in the sights and sounds of a Halloween party like no other!

The streets of New York City come alive with a truly spectacular parade that introduces the event. There are thousands of participants dressed in elaborate costumes, ranging from the beautiful to the downright crazy! The procession is led by giant puppets and inflatable characters who are carefully maneuvered through the streets.

Halloween – Ireland

Ireland and Scotland still celebrate their traditional Halloween, also known as the Celtic Samhain. This is an ancient harvest festival that usually coincides with the New Year. People celebrate these events with parties, parades, fairs, themed events, etc.

Ireland fans and those from around the world flock to Derry each year for the four-day Halloween event called “Derry Halloween”. It is estimated that the event regularly attracts more than 80,000 visitors. The festival is so popular that Derry has been voted the Best Halloween Destination in the World by USA Today.

(Synthetic)