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The history of the pagan celebration of Halloween goes back more than two thousand years. The ancient Celts were the first to scare away evil spirits with scary clothes, masks and noise. Subsequently, this custom passed on to Christians - a tradition was formed to drive away evil spirits on the eve of All Saints' Day, which is celebrated on November 1.
By the way, an indispensable attribute of Halloween - a pumpkin with a burning candle inside - is not at all a creepy image of an evil spirit with glowing eyes and a twisted mouth. In fact, this is a symbol of light, which should scare away evil spirits from the hearth on the very night when the forces of evil unite.
Nowadays, the once religious holiday has turned into a cheerful masquerade, a friendly party with creepy attributes. Fans of this holiday on October 31, on the eve of All Saints' Day, decorate their yards and apartments with pumpkins and dress up in costumes of fairy-tale evil spirits. Halloween is celebrated in many countries around the world, but it is especially popular in the USA, Great Britain and Western Europe. Of course, the tourism industry could not ignore such a bright event. We invite you to get acquainted with those places where the largest number of tourists flock on Halloween to have a lot of fun, enjoying horror and mysticism.
Darmstadt (Germany)
This German city is home to the so-called Frankenstein Castle. According to legend, the owner of the castle was the alchemist Baron Joseph Conrad Dippel Frankenstein, who managed to create the elixir of immortality. After gaining eternal life, the baron realized its meaninglessness and sold himself to the devil, while predicting that he would return to the world of the living on the night of October 31 to November 1. So his return is now expected every year: on this date, a grandiose themed party is held at the castle.
Halloween in different countries
Halloween in different countries is celebrated on the eve of All Saints' Day, on the night of October 31 to November 1. It is widely popular all over the world. However, it is in his homeland, Ireland, that it resembles footage from horror films, of course for an outside observer.
The history of the Halloween holiday has Celtic roots. The Celts lived throughout almost all of Europe 3 thousand years ago. These people had a fairly developed civilization. They built cities, engaged in trade, smelted steel... One of the customs of this people was the sacrifice of people. At the same time, they had a fear of the dead.
For these unusual people, on the night of November 1st, the transition from summer to winter began. Just during this period, field work was ending. And this night was terrible for them.
The Celts believed that at this time the door to the world of the dead opened. The souls of the dead could visit them... This is where the tradition of dressing up in the skins of animals and ghosts came from, so as not to be identified. Ancient Celtic customs are reflected in the modern holiday of Halloween. If you find yourself in Dublin, you will be presented with an action that will astonish your imagination. Townspeople dress up in costumes of monsters, witches, vampires and other evil spirits. In this form they parade through the streets. At night, everything turns orange and black. Orange pumpkins grin with toothless mouths. People gather around huge bonfires...Everything is done with the goal of deceiving evil spirits.
Then Irish emigrants brought Halloween to North America, where it took on completely new colors. We are, of course, talking about Halloween in the USA and Canada... Its popularity, thanks to cinema and commercialization, has spread throughout the world... It has appeared in many European countries, where it has never been a traditional holiday... However, it's time to travel... You have the opportunity to get acquainted with how Halloween is celebrated in different countries of the world...
1. Halloween in the USA
Halloween is celebrated in the United States on October 31st. It is All Hallows' Eve the day before All Hallows' Day (November 1). Residents of the United States are having fun celebrating All Hallows' Eve! This is a favorite activity for children of all ages! They put on scary costumes of elves, goblins, ghosts and walking skeletons, but not only... They can also be costumes of super heroes, princesses, wizards, and popular celebrities. They then go from house to house in their areas asking for treats. Usually these are candies and other sweets. At the same time they say: “Trick or treat?” If they are denied treats, they may play pranks on the homeowners.
Teenagers and young people celebrate the holiday at themed parties, where they also come in fancy dress. They host various fun Halloween-related competitions. This could be a jack-o'-lantern design contest or a Halloween-themed acrostic poem contest.
Adults also celebrate this holiday! Although this day is not an official holiday, Americans gather with friends for costume parties in the evening. Lighted pumpkin lanterns, called jack-o'-lanterns, are displayed throughout homes and gardens. They are believed to ward off evil spirits!
Read the article: “How is Halloween celebrated in the USA?”
2. Halloween in Canada
With the arrival of October, the Halloween atmosphere spreads across Canada. The streets are filled with Halloween parades... Private households are decorated as “haunted houses.” Stores and shopping centers are filled with Halloween symbols. Jack-o'-lanterns, skeletons, black cats are everywhere...
There is an opportunity to buy terrifying outfits for the holiday and special products. These include candy in bags decorated with Halloween symbols. These are also apple toffees, made by coating real apples in a boiled sugar solution, popcorn, popcorn, pumpkin pie or bread. "Halloween beer," which is made by adding pumpkin and spices to the wort before fermenting it, is also available in specialty stores.
Schools host pumpkin carving competitions, pumpkin art tours, and of course costume events with dancing and games. Some Canadians put a lot of effort into decorating their homes, yards and entryways. They can even build life-size replicas of cemeteries or dungeons... After which lovers of “terrible exotics” invite people from the surrounding area to admire their creations...
Read the article: “Halloween in Canada”
3. Halloween in Austria
Although Halloween is not a traditional Austrian holiday, it is now common to see pumpkin decorations (Kürbis) and Jack-O-lanterns in Austria by mid-October. Halloween in Austria is considered a religious period for remembering the “lives of the departed,” including close relatives and friends. Some people in this country are accustomed to believing that it is necessary to leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before going to bed on Halloween night. This will make the return of dead souls to their homes much easier.
The tradition of placing candles on graves on the evening before All Saints' Day is becoming increasingly common. For this purpose, villagers on Halloween make processions with lanterns in their hands to cemeteries.
In the Austrian cities of Retz and Pulkau, the annual Pumpkin Festival (Kürbisfest) is celebrated, dedicated to Halloween. The region around Retz is famous for its annual pumpkin harvest. Known as Bluza in the regional dialect, the pumpkin becomes the centerpiece of the festival for the whole family (ein Fest für die ganze Familie). An exhibition, competitions, parties and a Halloween parade (Halloween-Umzug) are organized in her honor.
Read the article: “All Saints’ Day and Halloween in Austria”
4. Halloween in Germany
In Germany, the Halloween tradition is not as deep as in other countries of the world. However, many German adults and children enjoy enjoying the scares and thrills. Most cities in Germany now host costume parties in hotels or nightclubs for adults. The Walking Dead Party is taking place in Düsseldorf at the Radisson Blu Media Hotel.
Young people over 18 years of age can dance the night away at the Skihalle in Neuss. The city of Mayen, in the Eifel region, hosts a fair of witches and magicians in the style of the Middle Ages (Mittelalterlicher Hexen und Magiermarkt) on the last weekend of October. Located north of Essen, the Horror Park has been running since 1998 and features many zombies, monsters and mazes.
Germany's oldest and most revered Halloween event takes place at "Burg Frankenstein" near Darmstadt. Whether or not the castle was actually the inspiration for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, it's the perfect setting for a suitably spooky Halloween event. Visitors are free to roam the ruins while actors dressed as ghouls, ghosts and other terrifying creatures may appear around the corner. Flickering lights and some kind of supernatural soundtrack make visitors to the castle feel like they are in a real “haunted castle”.
Read the article: “Halloween in Germany”
5. Halloween in France
France doesn't celebrate Halloween with the same "spooky scares" emphasis as America, but it does have its own places and events with similar content. For example, these are haunted abbeys, of which there are plenty in France.
The ruined Jumièges Abbey Church in northern France is a Halloween destination. Here you can stroll through the buildings in the company of crows and invisible ghosts. You can also stroll through the Château de Blois in the Loire Valley, which was the site of the gruesome murder of the infamous Duke of Guise.
For an even more terrifying journey, you can climb the steep hill to the glorious Vézelay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a rainy October day, here you can hear the rustle of fallen leaves under your feet, and, if you wish, imagine the “presence of ghosts.” In the French city of Chalindrey, the Witches Festival (Fête des Sorcières) is held annually. The festival is held in honor of the victims of the 16th century witch hunt at Fort Conlo. The festival takes place at the end of October and begins with night dancing at the Fort du Cognelot. There is also a holiday market, a tunnel of horrors, concerts and much more...
Read the article: “Halloween and All Saints’ Day in France”
6. Halloween in Italy
Halloween was not a traditional Italian holiday, but it has gained great popularity in Italy over the past 20 years due to the influence of American pop culture. There is no widespread decoration of houses with pumpkin Jack-lanterns here yet... However, more and more attributes of this holiday are appearing in Italy, especially in the entertainment industry.
On Halloween, feasts are held with a hearty meal. This ritual symbolizes people's belief that the "departed souls of loved ones" will return home to take part in the holiday. Having set the table, the family leaves for the church, leaving the door open. Family members visit the temple to pray for the souls of deceased relatives. If the food remains untouched upon returning home, then it is believed that “the spirit is unhappy in the family.” This is also an omen that "discontented souls" may cause harm to their household.
Some families in Italy visit the graves of their loved ones on this day and participate in cleaning the area. They leave flowers, wreaths and small lanterns on graves as a sign of respect for the “departed soul”. From time to time a mass is celebrated at the graves and they are sprinkled with holy water.
Lately, Halloween in Italy is becoming similar to Halloween in the USA. More and more Halloween costume events are being organized here for children. Children who ask for sweets and candies in neighbors' houses do not use the English expression “Trick or Treat?”, but the Italian phrase “Dolcetto o Scherzetto?”, which translated means the same - “Trick or treat?
Italian youth love to attend club parties. Amusement parks host special Halloween weekend events in October. For example, in Gardaland, near Lake Garda, Halloween parties take place every Saturday and Sunday from October 6 to November 4. There you can see a parade of spirits and fireworks, as well as listen to music.
Read the article: “Halloween and All Saints’ Day in Italy”
7. Halloween in the UK
In the UK, Halloween has seen a massive surge in popularity, especially recently. In October, many store windows turn orange and black. There are stalls everywhere with pumpkins, witches, brooms and cats...
People use jack-o'-lanterns to decorate their homes and front gardens for Halloween and ward off "evil spirits." The candle is placed inside an empty pumpkin, and the light creates a scary grin on the face. This looks especially impressive in the dark. Do people eat their pumpkins? Yes it is! Pumpkin soup and pumpkin curry are very popular dishes at this time of year.
Many people choose to dress up as creepy and scary characters such as ghosts, witches and vampires... However, the current trend is to dress up as something else. For example, characters from your favorite movies, animals or fantastic creatures. There are no real rules or restrictions on this.
Children take part in this holiday with pleasure. They dress up and then visit neighboring houses in their area, asking, "Death or pleasure?" Neighbors give them sweets or money as a “treat.” If there are no treats, children can play pranks on the homeowner, such as throwing soap through his window.
Some British people think that this tradition is not good... They hang posters on their houses asking them not to disturb them. Fortunately, there are not many such people... Most receive only a sea of “positive” from this tradition.
Read the article: “Halloween in the UK”
8. Halloween in Belgium
It's probably safe to say that nowadays Halloween in Belgium is great fun for the whole family. The traditional way to celebrate Halloween night in Belgium is to light candles in memory of your loved ones and deceased loved ones. Belgium has some traditional beliefs and thoughts regarding this holiday.
The Belgians believe it is bad luck if a black cat crosses their path while traveling. It is also considered unlucky if a black cat enters a house or any other establishment, including a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles to honor the memory of your deceased relatives.
At the same time, Belgium began to celebrate a completely different Halloween. The Belgians went to such Halloween celebrations to entertain their children. Halloween isn't just a one-day celebration, it's an entire season of tricks and treats.
During the week-long school holidays (October 28 to November 3), children can enjoy pumpkin carvings, scary costumes, music, amazing parades full of ghouls and ghosts, haunted house walks, scary amusement parks, fairground rides, horror films and much more...
Read the article: “Halloween in Belgium”
9. Halloween in the Netherlands
Halloween was not a traditional holiday in the Netherlands. It began to gain popularity in this country in the early 2000s. Nowadays, it's not just a one-day celebration, it's an entire season where families don their spookiest costumes and attend various Halloween events. In addition to the usual trick-or-treating tradition for kids, here you can become a master at making special Halloween recipes with cooking classes. Adults can drink the night away with pub specials. Families with children attend events in parks and museums or take a tour of "haunted houses." Young people prefer to attend spooky Halloween parties in major cities. In short, there are so many things to do in the Netherlands that make Halloween fun and exciting.
Read the article: “Halloween in the Netherlands”
10. Halloween in Romania
Halloween is a special occasion in places like the gothic fairytale Bran Castle, near Brasov in Transylvania. Bran is often associated with the 15th-century prince Vlad the Impaler (1431–1476), the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. At the costume parties held here during Halloween, you can see ghosts, vampires and the legendary Dracula.
Every year, Bran Castle hosts the best Halloween party. The only way to get in and join the party is to take part in the Transylvania tour and purchase the appropriate costume. Here you can see the most amazing characters, from vampires to witches, devils, cyborgs, snake people and Cruella De Vil. Vlad the Impaler himself, aka the famous vampire Count Dracula, will welcome tourists to the castle. Next, there will be an exclusive tour of Dracula's castle, as well as an introduction to the dark stories of the castle. Each room will be decorated with cobwebs and other Halloween items...
Read the article: “Halloween in Dracula’s homeland in Transylvania”
This is how Halloween is celebrated in different countries of the world! Read also:
Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day
All Souls Day around the world
Holidays and festivals around the world
Dear readers! Write comments! Read articles on the World of Holidays website!
The Hague (Netherlands)
The Museum of Torture operates in The Hague, which is recognized as the worst in the world. Tourists are impressed not only by the instruments of torture of the medieval inquisitors, but also by the stories of the guides, describing in detail the torture, as well as the corresponding installations. On the eve of All Saints' Day, the museum is open all day, and on the night of horror, special excursions are held for the especially daring.
Hello, I'm Samhain!
The word “Samhain” is heard relatively rarely in films and TV series.
And, surprisingly, sometimes it turns out to be a proper name. In the episode of Supernatural entitled "That's Pumpkin, Sam Winchester", Samhain is the name of the demon from which all Samhain and Halloween rituals originated. People wore masks to hide from him, carved pumpkins and left sweets on their doorsteps so that he would not harm people. In The Real Ghostbusters, Samhain is an evil personification of Halloween with a pumpkin for a head. In the Hack/Slash comic book series (not to be confused with the anime of the same name), Samhain is the name of an agent of the Black Lamp Society, which worships “slashers” (demons). And in the computer games of the King's Quest series, Samhain is called the King of the Dead.
Scary eyes of Samhain ("Supernatural").
Director John Carpenter is to blame for the perception of Halloween as a nightmare without an ounce of fun. His horror film Halloween (1978) launched a successful film series with sequels, remakes, sequels of remakes and remakes of sequels, and became the founder of the slasher genre. The film tells the story of a crazy maniac Mike Myers, who carries out a massacre on All Hallows' Eve. Nowadays they love to watch this film at Halloween parties. If you watch it in a noisy company, enjoying holiday sweets, the story of a senseless and merciless “bloodbath” becomes much less scary. We remember that Halloween is also needed to fight our fears?
The "Halloween" villain dresses up as Captain Kirk's mask from "Star Trek" for the holiday.
Carpenter was, of course, not the first. The motive for the Halloween murder was played up by the Hollywood classic Frank Capra in the eccentric black comedy Arsenic and Old Lace (1944). Its hero, who got married just on Halloween, and his young wife pay a visit to the house of eccentric relatives - and discover the corpse of a man in a chest. And this murder is not the only one.
There is no mysticism in the excellent psychological thriller “The Girl Who Lives at the End of the Street” (1974). Rinn, a serious and independent thirteen-year-old girl beyond her years, celebrates her birthday on Halloween. This motive was introduced into the film as if on purpose to emphasize her inhuman, cold-blooded readiness to kill anyone who tries to harm her.
Filmmakers love Halloween masquerade. One of the most striking scenes in Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) is when the kids take their alien friend on a Halloween trick-or-treating trip, disguised as a ghost. And in the fantasy drama Donnie Darko (2001), it is not immediately clear that the key moment in the fate of the main character, his “fork” in time, is the tragedy that occurred on Halloween. The creepy rabbit who explains to Donnie the structure of the universe is actually his classmate in a fancy dress, who died just then.
“Why are you wearing that ridiculous human costume?” - famous quote from Donnie Darko. Donny will soon change into a carnival costume.
But, of course, there are much more mystical Halloweens in movies than others. The TV movie “At the Midnight Hour” (1980) would be a great backdrop for a Halloween party. His heroes decided to dress up for a masquerade in the costumes of real sorcerers, stolen from the museum. They went to the cemetery to change clothes, where they accidentally brought to life an army of the dead led by a real witch. It’s just like at a Halloween carnival, only for real.
Music lovers will appreciate the touchingly trashy horror film “Candy or Death” (1986), which featured rock musicians Gene Simmons (Kiss) and Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath), as well as the creator of “Final Destination” and producer of “The X-Files” Glen Morgan. The hero of this film communicates with the spirit of a deceased rocker and does not notice that he has become a pawn in the game of evil creatures from the other world.
A classic of the Halloween genre is the Night of the Demons film series (the first part was released in 1988). According to the plot, a group of young people accidentally releases a demon from captivity, who kills people and turns them into the same demons. Critics called the first film “a collection of stereotypes,” but the next two parts turned out better than the original, mainly due to a good dose of dark humor. If your soul still craves something gothic, watch the famous “The Crow” (1994) with Brandon Lee: its main character was killed and resurrected for revenge just on Halloween.
Best party soundtrack? Songs by the group Helloween (the misspelling of the word is intentional: hell is “hidden” in the name of the holiday) and music by Danny Elfman for the cartoon “The Nightmare Before Christmas” directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton. This charming musical takes place in the town of Halloween, populated by strange and scary characters.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the best movies for both New Year and Halloween.
Bran (Romania)
This Romanian town on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia became famous thanks to the work of the writer Bram Stoker: it was here, in the local castle, that he “settled” Count Dracula, recognized as the most famous vampire in history. Well, then director Francis Coppola further “promoted” the bloodsucker by making a film of the same name. In Dracula's Castle, in one of the rooms there really is a huge bed, on which, according to legend, Count Dracula sucked the blood from his victims, and the main chimney howls in a strong wind so that it seems that the evil genius has returned... On All Hallows' Eve in The castle hosts theatrical performances and comic vampire “rituals”.
Paris, France)
One of the most frightening places in Paris is the catacombs, which are lined with the bones of the dead: tens of kilometers of corridors are lined with skulls and shin bones. When there was no more space left in the cemeteries of Paris, the dead began to be taken to the catacombs, and over hundreds of years, plenty of them have accumulated here. During Halloween week, local guides like to play pranks on tourists by hiding in secluded places and begging them for candy and small change.
Kutna Hora (Czech Republic)
In Europe, where there was often no place for the dead, ossuaries are not that uncommon. But the one located near the Czech town of Kutna Hora is one of the largest and truly terrifying. Everything here is made of human bones: about 40 thousand human skeletons were used to create this “interior”. Almost all the interior decoration, including the huge chandelier, is made of bones. The local environment is so creepy that it has repeatedly become the setting for films to create the appropriate ambience. So you can get scared in the ossuary every day, and not just on Halloween.
Mexico: Feast of Death
In Mexico, almost every occasion is a celebration, and death is no exception. On the eve of Halloween, Mexicans organize an incredibly colorful “Santa Muerte” or “El Dia de los Muertos” - the Days of the Dead. These days, people come to the graves of their deceased relatives and organize memorial dinners. But the most important thing is that among the graves you can have a noisy picnic with songs and even a whole holiday. Mexicans believe that the dead don’t mind having fun too! In addition, all the altars in churches are decorated with candies, flowers, photographs, favorite food and drink of the dead, and colorful carnivals are organized in the cities, the meaning of which is “Santa Muerte” - a religious cult glorifying death and presenting it as just a transition to a new life .
Glamis Castle, Angus, Scotland
Glamis Castle, where the mother of the now reigning Queen of Great Britain Elizabeth II spent her childhood, is known as one of the most “haunted” in all of Scotland. Legend has it that this castle was cursed due to the fact that an inherited cup, which was always supposed to be in the castle, was taken out of it one day. Now the ghost of a servant boy lurks in the Queen's bedroom, while the ghost of a mutilated woman wanders around the area, and somewhere in a secret room the ghost of the Earl of Crawford plays cards with the devil himself.
Pendle Hill, Lancashire, northern England
Pendle Hill, overlooking the vast expanse of Lancashire, an hour's drive north of Manchester, is so haunted that many locals are hesitant to walk here after dark.
In 1612, the area was the site of the trials of women accused of witchcraft, which are now the most famous trials of their kind in English history. Ten people were hanged for various crimes, including murder by witchcraft. Participants in this chilling journey will hear many tales of the sinister history of this area.
Whitby, Yorkshire, northern England
Another legacy of Dracula and Bram Stoker: the town of Whitby is known to all fans of the horror genre due to the fact that the novel about a vampire was written here. As you navigate the alleys and courtyards of Whitby at night, your black-clad guide will tell you ghost stories so scary they'll send shivers down your spine. For true fans of the story of Dracula, a special vampire-themed tour has been developed.
Stratford-upon-Avon, western England
The city of Stratford-upon-Avon is known throughout the world as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The Falstaff Experience is a 14th-century house formerly owned by a man named William Rogers, who served as the inspiration for Shakespeare's hero Sir John Falstaff. Today, at least 40 ghosts live in this house, and its guests can learn the whole truth about the life of representatives of the Tudor dynasty. During the day, special excursions are held around Falstaff's house, illuminated by lanterns, to the favorite haunts, and at night you can take part in a real spiritualistic seance. During Halloween, this is one of the most popular places in England for ghost sightings.
UK: Dying Halloween
Yes, alas, the traditional celebration of Halloween for the British is fading into oblivion, as the British are adopting the tradition from the United States. Previously, even about 10 years ago, children carefully carved not pumpkins (which are rarely seen anywhere in England), but beets or turnips. Pots for money were made from them, and at the same time, part of the money was given to the caretaker of the cemetery or to the church, paying tribute to the dead. On this day, fires were lit in the squares, into which chestnuts, vegetables, and stones were thrown, in the belief that this would scare away the spirits and they told fortunes. For example, if a person threw a stone into the fire and it was not found the next morning, this is a sign of a serious illness. Another funny tradition is associated with the “great guy Guy” - that is, Guy Fawkes (everyone remembers the famous mask). A week after Halloween, November 5th, is Guy Fawkes Night, when children go from house to house begging for coins for Guy to buy firecrackers and give off festive fireworks.
London Dungeon Museum, London
In the British capital there is a museum called the London Dungeon, where frightening urban legends and bloody stories associated with London are heard. A whole team of actors will tell daredevils about the infamous Jack the Ripper, the cruel barber Sweeney Todd and the deadly plague that killed thousands of unfortunate souls. The show lasts 1.5 hours, and during this time tourists will not only learn about the most sinister stories of London, but also ride a themed attraction, which is located right in the museum, and can also meet one of the ghosts of the main museum characters... Despite the fact that a special program for Halloween runs throughout October; it is better to buy tickets in advance, as there are many people who want to visit this museum.
Bolivia: Skull Parade
In Bolivia, Halloween is celebrated with the same flamboyance as in Mexico. Apparently, all of Latin America really believes in an afterlife. On October 30, the Fiesta de las Ñatitas begins - rituals and Catholic ceremonies centered around skulls. On this day they are decorated with flowers, brought something tasty, given gifts to the skulls, put cigarettes in their mouths and taken out of the house in boxes! By the way, this holiday came from the Indians from the Andes - there, every year the indigenous people spent time with the remains of their relatives - for three years after their death. Now, of course, no one keeps the remains for three years - they make do with dummies, ashes in an urn, or some kind of memorabilia. Bolivians believe that everyone has seven souls, and the last one remains in the skeleton.
USA
There are many fans of horror films and various horror stories in the United States. On Halloween, one of the most popular holidays in this country, most residents not only prepare suitable costumes, but also carefully decorate their houses with attributes suitable for the occasion. There are plenty of places in every corner of America where you can “meet” ghosts and evil monsters in the right environment, and they are a constant success among tourists.
Scotland: a dark holiday
The country of rocks and turbulent rivers has never been overly optimistic. Halloween is no exception. Like the Irish, the Scots, descendants of the Celts, celebrate Halloween vigorously, but with fear of the dead. The week before the holiday, everyone goes to church, and in the evenings they read prayers for deceased family members. In some places they also place a candle in the window, which is supposed to attract spirits. After all, according to a beautiful Celtic legend, “dead souls, like moths, fly to you to warm themselves by the fire.” On this day, the Scots also go home dressed up, asking for food or money, and the newlyweds play hide and seek with each other. By the way, it is worth highlighting that Scotland is one of the first countries where Halloween began to be celebrated en masse.
Quest 13th Gate (Louisiana, USA)
Anyone who wants to feel like the heroes of the films “Saw” and “The Hills Have Eyes” is welcome at a place called 13th Gate in Louisiana (USA). There you will have to get out of the room in just 60 minutes, crawl through the crematorium oven, get lost in the dark tunnels of the dungeon and get out of the creepy tomb with mummies. And these are just a few of the entertainment options available to guests. 100 actors, 12 special effects artists and a team of costume specialists make 13th Gate one of the scariest places in the United States.
Fear Overload Scream Park (California, USA)
“If you get scared easily, then this is not the place for you” is the slogan that greets visitors to the Fear Overload park. Only real daredevils will risk entering a house where the abundance of special effects and frightening actors will make your blood run cold! And there are two such houses in the park! In the first house, made like an abandoned hotel, you will have to get out of a dark labyrinth full of scary creatures, and in the second house, the last refuge of a brutal serial killer, there will be only 1 torch for everyone to get through the crowds of monsters...
Japan: Rising Sun for the Dead
Almost every tradition of Japan justifies the popular name - “the land of the rising sun”. Even the holiday of the dead, Halloween, is celebrated here with maximum light. True, it has little in common with Halloween, since the Japanese have their own traditions; instead, there is the Obon festival, which is also called Matsuri and Urabon. These days, Japan is burning - thousands of small candles and lanterns are lit in every home in order to meet their deceased relatives, at least for a short time. The Lantern Festival lasts three days and ends with a large bonfire in which the Japanese “burn everything bad.”
Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride (Philadelphia)
In sunny Philadelphia, there is also a place where horror stories and horror stories come true. At Bates Motel, guests will confront the darkest fantasies of the famous Hitchcock killer. And during the 25-minute Haunted Hayride, which winds through the eerie forest adjacent to Bates Farm, 75 actors dressed as scary monsters make the adventure unforgettably sinister.
Austria: Week of Dead Souls
Another country where religious traditions are more respected on Halloween is Austria. In Austria, on this day, people leave water, bread and a lighted lamp on the table just before going to bed, because they believe that today their deceased relatives can come to visit them at night. For Austrian Catholics, Halloween is called Seleenwoche and lasts a week. All Saints' Sunday takes place between October 30th and November 2nd. During this time, families decorate the graves of their loved ones with lanterns and wreaths, and on the last day, funeral masses are held so that the deceased can sleep soundly until the next festival.
