The summer is fading away fast, which means one thing – Halloween is just around the corner! If you’ve long been waiting for the temperatures to drop and the spooky season to come around, then you’re not alone. More Brits than ever are spending more on Halloween and decking their homes out with lavish decorations.
If you’re going abroad during this time, you don’t need to wait until you get home to celebrate. Some countries love Halloween as much as the UK, so you don’t have to brave the cold to go trick-or-treating. These October holidays are the perfect way to get spooky this year, while still enjoying the autumn sun.
Here are some top picks for destinations known for celebrating All Hallow’s Eve properly.
United States
Much like the UK, the US observes the holiday on October 31st, and it’s fair to say it’s a big deal. It’s estimated that Americans spent around $12 billion in October on décor, sweets and scary costumes. Tradition states restless spirits of the dead come back to life to harm people and crops, so people dress up to scare them away, as advised by Celtic traditions.
Take yourself away to Salem, Massachusetts, the US capital of witches, to carve pumpkins against the backdrop of falling orange and red leaves. If you want something a little warmer and laid back, Los Angeles hosts scary movie screenings and plenty of opportunities for seasonal activities without the chill.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Supamotionstock.com
Mexico
We’ve all heard of Dia de Los Muertos, and it’s no coincidence that the Mexican Day of the Dead coincides with All Hallow’s Eve. While it’s not Halloween in the traditional sense, this ancient celebration acknowledges death and honors the spirits of deceased loved ones. All with a touch of intricately painted skeleton masks, colorful altars, and exciting street festivals.
Celebrated between October 31st and November 6th, participants pay homage to the dearly departed by making ‘ofrendas’ packed full of photos, food and gifts. It’s a time for families to come together, remember their ancestors and celebrate life with delicious food like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and spectacular displays.
The Philippines
Compared to Western countries, Halloween in the Philippines is celebrated a little differently. The holiday holds more spiritual significance, tying more closely to All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day. It’s common for Filipino families to visit cemeteries to clean and decorate graves with candles, flowers and prayers.
Pangangaluluwa is the Philippines’ version of trick-or-treating. Children go door-to-door, pretending to be lost souls in purgatory, singing songs in exchange for treats, and helping trapped souls find peace.
Australia
While Halloween is not a public holiday in Australia, it has been steadily gaining popularity over the years. Instead of jack-o-lanterns, though, Aussies hang orange balloons outside of their homes to let trick-or-treaters know there are sweets here!
Australia also brings its own twist to Halloween celebrations with events like the Sydney Zombie Walk. Thousands of people don gory costumes and march through the city, raising money for various charities.
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This article was first published on Passing Thru. Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / SuppachaiP.
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