Halloween Celebrations Around the World

Every October, something magical (and maybe a little spooky) happens. Streets start glowing with carved pumpkins, kids dress up as witches or superheroes, and candy becomes the most valuable currency on earth. Everyone is busy preparing for Halloween activities and picking out the perfect gifts. But have you ever wondered where all of this began—or how Halloween celebrations around the world look today?
Let’s unwrap the mystery behind this ancient festival and see how different countries give it their own twist.

Where It All Began: From Celtic Fires to Candy Bags

Halloween isn’t some modern marketing invention—far from it. It traces back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), celebrated in Ireland and Scotland. Back then, the Celts believed that on October 31, the line between the living and the dead blurred, and spirits could cross over into our world. To ward them off, people lit bonfires, wore costumes, and made offerings.
When Christianity spread through Europe, the Church adapted Samhain into All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day) on November 1, with the night before it becoming All Hallows’ Eve—eventually shortened to “Halloween.” The spooky vibes stayed, even if the religious meaning shifted.
By the 19th century, Irish and Scottish immigrants carried these customs to America, where trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and costume parties evolved into the Halloween we know today. But the celebration didn’t stop there—it spread across the globe, picking up new traditions and flavors along the way.

Ireland: The Heartbeat of Halloween

If Halloween had a hometown, it would be Ireland. The Irish still celebrate with bonfires, games, and of course, barmbrack—a sweet, fruit-filled bread that hides small objects inside, each symbolizing a different fortune. Find a ring? It means romance is in your future. A coin? Prosperity. It’s a mix of fun and folklore that keeps the ancient spirit of Samhain alive.
Kids in Ireland also go door to door for treats, but not just candy—they might receive nuts, fruits, or even small coins. You could say Ireland keeps the “trick-or-treat” tradition refreshingly old-fashioned.

Mexico: Día de los Muertos—A Celebration of Life

In Mexico, Halloween takes a heartfelt detour. Here, it merges with the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)—a colorful, spiritual festival honoring departed loved ones. Families build altars (ofrendas) decorated with candles, flowers, and photos. Streets fill with parades, sugar skulls, and music, blending joy and remembrance in a way that feels both sacred and festive.
It’s not about fear—it’s about love. Mexicans believe that on these nights, the souls of the dead return home to celebrate with their families. The result? A deeply moving festival that reminds us death isn’t the end—it’s part of life’s circle.

United Kingdom: Where the Past Still Whispers

Across the UK, Halloween feels both historical and theatrical. In London, haunted walking tours and ghost hunts fill the calendar. The Tower of London hosts eerie reenactments of medieval executions (definitely not for the faint of heart). Meanwhile, Yorkshire, often called “the most haunted county in England,” hosts massive parades where thousands dress up as ghouls and monsters. Streets are closed, music fills the air, and there’s a thrilling sense of mischief everywhere.
It’s as if Britain remembers the ghosts of its history—and invites them to join the party.

France: A Late but Lively Arrival

Halloween only started catching on in France in the late 20th century, and not everyone welcomed it. Older generations sometimes see it as “too American,” but younger ones have embraced the fun. Parisian clubs and shops decorate with cobwebs and skeletons, and kids happily go trick-or-treating in some neighborhoods.
Still, France keeps a reflective side to the season. Around the same time, families visit cemeteries like Montmartre and Père Lachaise, bringing chrysanthemums to honor their loved ones. So while Halloween in France may have neon lights and costumes, it still carries a whisper of tradition and respect.

United States: From Immigrant Roots to Global Icon

No country embraced Halloween quite like the United States. When Irish immigrants brought their traditions in the 1840s, Americans quickly added their own flair—bigger costumes, bigger pumpkins, and of course, way more candy. By the mid-20th century, trick-or-treating had become a national ritual. Today, Americans spend billions on decorations, parties, and treats. Suburban neighborhoods transform into candy-filled wonderlands, while cities host haunted houses, costume parades, and even “zombie runs.”
And let’s not forget the modern twist—pumpkin spice everything. From lattes to dog treats, the U.S. has turned Halloween into both a spooky and sweet pop-culture phenomenon.

Russia: The Rebellion Against Halloween

Now here’s a surprise—Russia largely rejects Halloween. The Orthodox Church and many local authorities argue that the holiday clashes with traditional values, even banning public celebrations in some regions.
Still, in big cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, younger generations quietly celebrate in nightclubs or themed cafes, showing that even in resistance, curiosity lives on. Halloween here isn’t about candy—it’s about cultural tension and expression.

Why Halloween Still Matters

So what makes Halloween such a global phenomenon? Maybe it’s the thrill of pretending to be someone—or something—else for a night. Maybe it’s the comfort of shared fear, or simply the joy of watching kids’ faces light up at the sight of candy.
But at its heart, Halloween is about connection—between people, between the living and the dead, and even between cultures. Whether you’re eating barmbrack in Dublin, painting your face in Mexico City, or lighting a candle in Paris, you’re part of a story that’s thousands of years old.
And that’s kind of beautiful, isn’t it?

A Few Fun Facts Before You Go

The word “witch” comes from the Old English wicce, meaning “wise woman.”
Pumpkins weren’t always the star of the show—early jack-o’-lanterns in Ireland were carved from turnips!
Americans buy around 600 million pounds of candy for Halloween every year.
In Mexico, the marigold is known as the “flower of the dead,” said to guide spirits home.