What Countries Celebrate Halloween?

Ever wondered how Halloween goes down in other parts of the world? Spoiler alert: it's not all about pumpkin carving and candy overload! From Mexico’s Día de los Muertos to Japan’s epic Halloween street parties, different countries have some seriously cool ways to get spooky – and it’s nothing short of fang-tastic! 

Whether you’re looking to add a spooky spin to your study abroad plans or just curious about how people get their scare on around the globe, let’s explore the world’s many Halloween traditions! 

What is Halloween? 

Before we dive into the eerie celebrations happening around the world, let’s take a quick trip back in time to uncover the spooky roots of Halloween. 

What is the Origin of Halloween? 

Halloween's origins trace back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced "sow-in"), celebrated on November 1. The Celts, who lived in areas that are now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, believed that the boundary between the living and the dead blurred on the night before Samhain, allowing spirits to roam the earth. To ward off these spirits and protect their homes, people lit bonfires, dressed in costumes made from animal skins, and offered food to appease wandering ghosts. Over time, as Christianity spread, Samhain was blended with All Saints' Day, and the night before became known as All Hallows' Eve, eventually evolving into what we now know as Halloween. 

Why is Halloween Celebrated? 

Halloween is celebrated as a way to embrace the spooky, mysterious, and supernatural elements that have long been part of its history. What started as a Celtic festival to honor the dead and protect the living has transformed into a global tradition of fun and fright. Today, Halloween brings people together for a night of costumes, candy, and creativity. It's a time to celebrate imagination, from carving eerie jack-o'-lanterns to going door-to-door for treats, all while remembering its ancient roots in warding off spirits and honoring those who have passed. Ultimately, Halloween is a playful fusion of old traditions and modern festivities. 

When is Halloween? 

What day is Halloween? Well, Halloween is traditionally celebrated on October 31st in many countries, but some countries celebrate similar festivals on different dates. For example, in Mexico, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is observed on November 1st and 2nd to honor deceased loved ones. The exact date may vary, but the essence of celebrating spirits and the afterlife remains a common thread. 

Where is Halloween Celebrated? 

Dozens of countries celebrate Halloween, each putting their own unique spin on the festivities. We’re excited to highlight the traditions of seven amazing cities from our 40+ study abroad locations, showcasing how different cultures celebrate Halloween in their own distinctive ways! 

Featured Location #1: Barcelona, Spain 

In recent years, Halloween has gained significant popularity in Catalonia, especially among younger generations. On the night of October 31st, the city comes alive with Halloween-themed parties, costumes, and decorations. But more importantly, as October comes to a close, Catalonia celebrates “La Castanyada”, a traditional celebration that honors the dead while marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter.  

This festival coincides with Día de Todos Los Santos (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st, a day for Catholics to remember loved ones who have passed away. People visit cemeteries, place flowers on graves, and attend church services. The name "La Castanyada" comes from "castanyes" (chestnuts), the star food of the festival. Chestnut vendors, known as "castanyeras," set up stalls throughout Barcelona's streets, selling piping-hot roasted chestnuts wrapped in newspaper to passersby. 

Read More: The 8 Best Study Abroad Programs in Barcelona 

Featured Location #2: Yucatán, Mexico 

In the Yucatán Peninsula, the celebration of Hanal Pixán, meaning "the food of the souls," takes place as the Mayan interpretation of Día de los Muertos. This unique tradition, rooted in Mayan culture, occurs on October 31st and continues into the following days. Families create altars adorned with traditional offerings and favorite foods of their departed loved ones to welcome their spirits back for a brief reunion. Colorful decorations, including marigolds and photographs, fill homes and cemeteries, turning the occasion into a heartfelt celebration of life and remembrance. 

Read More: Top 6 Mexico Study Abroad Programs 

Featured Location #3: Dublin, Ireland 

Just like in the U.S., children and adults alike dress up in elaborate costumes and take part in the fun of trick-or-treating. In addition to this, Halloween in Dublin is steeped in rich traditions that date back centuries. One popular custom is the making of Barmbrack, a special Halloween bread that contains a hidden ring. Finding the ring is said to bring good luck, or perhaps even predict marriage for the lucky discoverer! Another fascinating aspect of Irish Halloween is the origin of the jack-o'-lantern. Unlike the modern-day pumpkins used elsewhere, the Irish originally carved turnips, creating much more menacing faces that perfectly embody the spooky spirit of the season. 

Read More: Why Study Abroad in Ireland 

Featured Location #4: Santiago, Chile 

Halloween in Santiago has gained popularity over the past 15 years, transforming into a lively celebration. In various neighborhoods, children and adults venture out in groups to enjoy the traditional trick-or-treating experience. Many residents enthusiastically decorate their homes with spooky ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere. In Chile, Halloween aligns perfectly with a long weekend, as October 31 marks Reformation Day and November 1 is All Saints' Day – both are Christian holidays. This extended holiday period sets the stage for an array of festive parties, events, and activities that embrace the spirit of Halloween. 

Read More: 6 Best Study Abroad Programs in Chile 

Featured Location #5: Tokyo, Japan 

Halloween in Tokyo has become a vibrant celebration that merges Western traditions with unique Japanese cultural elements. The festivities have evolved significantly since the late 1990s, when they first gained popularity at places like Tokyo Disneyland, and now extend throughout the city. In Shibuya, one of the most famous Halloween events, thousands gather at the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing to show off elaborate Halloween costumes, often inspired by anime, manga, and cosplay. 

Read More: 7 Best Japan Study Abroad Programs 

Featured Location #6: Sydney, Australia 

As October 31 approaches, Sydney buzzes with excitement as residents decorate their homes with spooky motifs like cobwebs, pumpkins, and skeletons. Children dress in creative costumes, roaming the neighborhoods for trick-or-treating, with many families eagerly preparing to welcome them with candy. The nightlife scene comes alive with themed parties in bars and clubs, where both locals and expatriates dress up in elaborate costumes for a night of revelry. Additionally, various attractions, such as haunted houses and ghost tours, offer thrilling experiences that captivate adventurous spirits! 

Read More: Why Study Abroad in Sydney: Top 5 Reasons 

Featured Location #7: Rome, Italy 

In Rome, Halloween isn't as widely observed as in other countries, but its popularity has been growing, especially among the younger generation. Trick-or-treating, known as Dolcetto o Scherzetto, mainly involves young children visiting local stores to receive candy or stickers.  

Halloween falls right before Italy’s traditional religious holidays: Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day) on November 1 and Giorno dei Morti (All Souls’ Day) on November 2. These days are dedicated to remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed away. Families typically visit cemeteries to tidy up and decorate graves and participate in church services. This strong cultural focus on commemorating the deceased can sometimes overshadow the more festive and commercial elements of Halloween. 

Read More: Best Study Abroad Programs in Rome 

Celebrate Halloween Abroad 

Have any of these spooky traditions and celebrations caught your eye? If you're itching for a fang-tastic adventure, studying abroad with CIEE is your golden ticket to experience Halloween like never before! 

So, grab your broomstick, summon your spooky squad, and get ready for a Halloween experience that will haunt your memories in the best way possible! 

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