On October 31, get out your most monstrous disguises – Halloween is back! The origins of this festival and the best places on the planet to celebrate it, we tell you all about it in this article!
Halloween party
The term Halloween comes from the English expression “All Hallows Eve”. But contrary to popular belief, Halloween didn’t originate in the United States! In fact, it’s a Celtic festival that first appeared over 2,000 years ago in Celtic and Gallic culture under the name of Samain. On this occasion, to mark the start of the new year, the spirits of the ancestors returned to the world of the living. It was also an opportunity to gather around large banquets and perform sacrificial rites.
In many countries around the world, it’s an opportunity to dress up and scare your neighbors to collect treats!
Countries that celebrate Halloween the most
- United States
Halloween is a very popular holiday in the United States. Young and old alike dress up, and it’s perfectly normal to arrive at the trava il as a vampire or witch! In most families, the tradition is to hollow out pumpkins or turnips and turn them into terrifying faces to scare off any evil spirits lurking around the house. The program includes parades and trick-or-treating. - Ireland
This ancient Celtic country still celebrates Halloween today. The program includes bonfires, fireworks, a traditional Halloween parade through the streets of the capital and a tasting of the famous Colcannon, the traditional Halloween evening meal! For even more excitement, you can also take part in the Bram Stocker Festival, named after the famous writer of Dracula. - United Kingdom
The Zombie Walk has been celebrated in London for several years now. The streets are invaded by hundreds of participants dressed as the undead.
Also known as “nutcracker night” or “apple crunch night”, the tradition is for families to get together to tell stories and eat nuts and apples around the fire! - Mexico
The beginning of November is Day of the Dead in Mexico, a way of honoring the dead. Unlike the black and orange of Europe, Mexico’s cities are decked out in color to celebrate the return of the dead to earth to visit their loved ones, and every year on October 31, Mexicans honor their departed loved ones with 3 days of festivities and macabre fun. According to local traditions, spirits return to earth for 3 days. The living then make offerings to them. Customs vary somewhat from town to town. - China
Halloween is a time to celebrate ghosts. According to tradition, tormented spirits from hell are released on Earth. To appease them, the Chinese honor them with offerings, comfort meals, incense and celebrations. Impressive bonfires are also organized in the country’s major cities. Hong Kong is considered the best place to experience this festival.
The hottest places to celebrate
- Germany
On this night, Berlin is packed with parties, each as festive as the next. The famous horror boat opens its doors for Halloween, one of Berlin’s wildest parties. Admission costs 28 euros, and costumes are mandatory! Every year, the Kulturbrauerei organizes a huge ball to celebrate Halloween.
- Romania
For a Halloween to remember, we’re off to Romania to visit Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle.
- Scotland
Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is also known as one of the most haunted places in the world… It’s also a great place to be scared to death on Halloween!
- Japan
Last but not least, one of the biggest Halloween parades is held in Kawasaki, Japan. Every year, more than 2,500 people come to parade in their most horrifying costumes, to the accompaniment of blistering music!
- Salem
Located north of Boston, Salem was the scene of witch trials in the late 17th century. Throughout the month of October, Salem uses this episode in its history to set a particularly gloomy Halloween scene.
- London
The City of Fog, with its intimidating dungeons and the legend of the world’s most famous serial killer (Jack the Ripper), is the perfect place to spend Halloween.
- Prague
This city is known as one of the most Gothic in Europe. Many of its sights are naturally goosebump-inducing. Take a stroll through the old Jewish cemetery, visit the Museum of Torture or the Sedlec Ossuary.
This event holds no secrets for you! Would you like to go to one of these places to celebrate Halloween? Don’t leave without your travel insurance!
