The month of October marks the celebration of Halloween, with countries all over the world embracing the North American tradition. Halloween originated in Ireland with the ancient Celts, who celebrated welcoming the harvest with people lighting bonfires and dressing up to scare away ghosts and evil spirits. This tradition has evolved and spread across the globe with different countries celebrating how they see fit. So, where should you spend Halloween weekend this year?
Where better to celebrate Halloween than in the place it began!? When it started, people would mark this tradition by dressing up in animal skins to ward off ghosts - not quite the ridiculous morph suits or sexy police officers we see roaming the streets today.
But today, the city of Derry in Ireland hosts the biggest Halloween festival in Europe; the Banks of Foyle Halloween Carnival. This four-day festival brings more than 40,000 people to Derry, ready to enjoy haunted houses, parades, and much more.
With castles, tombs, and fright festivals galore, Ireland is a perfect place to celebrate Halloween in 2023.
New Orleans is widely known as the most haunted area in the United States, and is full of spooky locations and Halloween enthusiasts! During October the city is covered in decorations and ready for a party.
Aside from having parades and parties galore, New Orleans’ French Quarter has various festive experiences just waiting to put you in the Halloween mood. From haunted museum tours that will leave you feeling uneasy, to ghost tours around the French Quarter, to the multitude of beautifully scary cemeteries, this city is geared up to celebrate Halloween in some of the most exciting ways.
Famous for the 17th-century witch trials, it’s nearly impossible to separate Salem from Halloween. Each October, the town organises events spread across the entire month, starting with a huge parade and ending with an incredible fireworks display on Halloween night.
Visitors can also participate in the Festival of the Dead and Witches Halloween Ball, where visitors can learn the history of the Salem witch trials and engage in ritualistic magic all whilst dressed up to attend the festivities.
Famous for housing one of Halloween’s most iconic figures, Count Dracula, Transylvania is filled with castles and numerous events that are a great way to celebrate the spooky season. You can party the night away at Dracula’s castle, with a night tour and dinner at the castle included, or attend the Dracula film festival or Zombie walk.
Romanians also celebrate the ‘Day of the Dead’ on November 1st which has many customs similar to Halloween.
Halloween is a huge part of the culture in Mexico, but not in the same way it is celebrated in America, or most of Europe. Mexico celebrates Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Day). On this day, families and friends come together to remember their loved ones who they've lost, and it is believed the ones they have lost are celebrating with them. Festivities include colourful rituals, night-time parades, street stalls, and candlelight vigils.
Travellers from all over the world are welcome to join the celebrations.
So how do you plan on celebrating Halloween this year?