Halloween traditions around the world

Generation Voyage takes you around the world to discover the traditions and customs surrounding Halloween. So, trick or treat?

A typically Anglo-Saxon holiday, Halloween is undoubtedly the most terrifying and widespread celebration of Halloween in the world. In many cities, you’ll find exceptional Halloween-themed events. Many countries also have their own traditions linked to ghosts and the dead. In China, Taiwan and Madagascar, for example, life and death are celebrated in a very different way from elsewhere in Europe and the rest of the world.

Halloween, like many other holidays, is a great opportunity to travel and discover local customs. Not sure where to go for Halloween, or looking for inspiration for your next adventure? Embark on our world tour of Halloween traditions.

Ireland

Ireland is said to be the birthplace of Halloween. Celebrated for centuries, it is thought to have originated with Samain, a Celtic religious celebration. Today, children and adults alike perpetuate the tradition by dressing up as evil creatures for Halloween night: ghosts, zombies, witches or goblins.

To celebrate Halloween in Ireland, don’t miss the Samhain Halloween Parade in the capital Dublin. To immerse yourself in Irish Celtic traditions, you can also head to Derry. Located in Northern Ireland, Derry has established itself as Europe’s best Halloween destination! For it’s in Derry that the biggest Halloween celebrations take place. Street carnivals, bonfires and fireworks are the order of the day.

Mexico

In Mexico, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of life and death. To mark the occasion, locals make all manner of small objects to place on the graves of their departed loved ones on the last day of the festival.

In Mexico City, as elsewhere, many street parades take place! Inhabitants wear masks, make-up and skeleton costumes. North of Mexico City, you can take part in the Festival La Calaca in San Miguel de Allende. Night-time parties, parades, art exhibitions and other activities take place in this town for a whole week.

Taiwan

In Taiwan, we celebrate the Lantern Festival rather than Western Halloween. This celebration is much more joyful and colorful than the Anglo-Saxon holiday. According to ancient Chinese beliefs, sky spirits can be seen in the light of the first full moon of the new year. To perpetuate this luminous tradition, a Lantern Festival is held every year in a different city in Taiwan. It takes place around the 15th day after the Chinese New Year. The Festival’s celebrations revolve around the zodiac animal of the year. Acrobatic and folk art performances take place, as well as dragon and lion dances.

In Yanshui, you can also enjoy a fireworks display that dates back almost 200 years. On this occasion, the town fires thousands of firecrackers to accompany colorful parades!

China

China also celebrates an ancestral festival rather than the Anglo-Saxon Halloween: the Ghost Festival. It’s held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, known as Ghost Month. Tradition has it that during this period, the tormented spirits of Chinese hell are released on earth. To appease them, locals offer them comforting meals, burn incense and organize celebrations.

In each of China’s major cities, impressive bonfires can be witnessed on this occasion. The best place to discover this atypical festival is Hong Kong. During Ghost Month, travelers to the island can enjoy traditional exhibitions, operas and plays, as well as the traditional bonfires.

Madagascar

Also known as Famadihana, the turning over of the dead is a ceremony still observed in certain regions of Madagascar. On this occasion, the Malagasy pay tribute to their ancestors by digging up and displaying their bodies. This tradition does not take place on a fixed date. Unfortunately, it’s tending to disappear, not least because of Western and Christian influence.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, as elsewhere in the United States, Halloween holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. At the end of October, numerous events are organized on these dream islands. On the island of Oahu, the town of Laie hosts the exploration of a haunted lagoon. During this sensational activity, you’ll roam the waters in complete darkness in search of a haunted house. Terrifying and original animations are planned all along the way, so hang on!

If the activity scares you, you can always join in the other Halloween celebrations on the island: parades, crazy parties or pumpkin carving.

Australia

Are you in Australia for Halloween? Then check out Brisbane’s offbeat Halloween celebrations! To celebrate Halloween, the city organizes a big zombie parade through its streets. The aim is to recreate a zombie invasion, just like in your favorite movies or TV series. Everyone tries to be the most terrifying.

But to take part, you won’t need elaborate make-up or costumes. Just get out your torn-up clothes and some red paint, and join in the fun with the locals!

Transylvania

What better place to celebrate Halloween than the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula? Located in Romania, the town of Sighisoara is a superb destination for Halloween. For the occasion, medieval and fairground festivities are organized in the surrounding castles. The streets and houses are also decorated in a macabre style. You can also attend the Vampire Festival, where witches and vampires roam free! The festival takes place in the vicinity of Count Dracula’s real castle.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, as in the Philippines and Mexico, families come to picnic on the decorated graves of the dead. It’s an opportunity to commune with and honor the dead! During this festive event, Guatemalans fly colorful kites. If the locals celebrate Halloween, December 7 is even more important to them.

On this day, the devil is burned during the Quema Del Diablo. For this festival, the locals parade through the streets. Fireworks are set off. Above all, an effigy of the devil is immolated. To witness the celebrations, you can go to the country’s capital: Guatemala.

Haiti

In Haiti, the Fête des Morts or Guédé, a festival similar to Halloween, takes place on November 1 and 2. Originating in Voodoo, this syncretic festival is deeply rooted in Haitian culture. During this colorful celebration, Haitians celebrate their gods of death by dancing, drinking and spitting around a sacred grave. Cemeteries are in the spotlight, and locals flock to them to honor the dead, dressed in black and white or purple. To be sure of attending the celebrations, you’ll need to visit the capital Port-au-Prince.

Louisiana

In New Orleans, USA, voodoo is also making a comeback. At Halloween time, the city plunges into a mystical atmosphere for a weekend. Residents cover their balconies with spider webs. Strange object markets are held everywhere. Monsters and witches wander the streets. Voodoo music also takes pride of place in the bars.

To celebrate this time of year, go to the Voodoo Music Experience, which takes place just before Halloween. It’s one of the best festivals in the world. Every year, it welcomes exceptional artists!

England

Don’t want to leave France to celebrate Halloween? Then come to England! After all, Halloween is an Anglo-Saxon holiday. In London, the London Ghost Festival lets you visit the capital’s famous haunted monuments. You can also take part in the festivities organized on the night of October 31 to November 1.

Salvador

In El Salvador, as in Mexico, the dead are celebrated on All Saints’ Day. During the « La Calabiuza » festival, Salvadorans paint their faces black and white to resemble skeletons. To see the parades, head for the capital San Salvador!