The period between 31 October and All Souls Day on 2 November has been considered important since Gaelic times thanks to its importance to harvest cycles, and the time’s importance was further reinforced by the spread of Christianity. As a result of this long history, no matter where on the globe you are, the end of October means killer costume parties, sweet treats, and lots of lights to ward away the creeping dark of winter. If you want to celebrate spooky season somewhere new, check out our list of the best Halloween traditions around the world for some inspiration.
1. Go to a colourful cemetery party in Guatemala
When: 1st November
This tradition celebrates All Saints Day, but its roots are over 3,000 years old and stem from local legends about warding off bad spirits. Every year, the residents of Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez gather at the main cemetery with their bright, giant kites as a way of honouring the dead, and the sight is awe inspiring. Who says Halloween celebrations have to be spooky to be a blast?
Guatemala is great to visit at any time of year, but if you time our Ultimate Central America tour right, you’ll get the chance to experience this incredible celebration firsthand.
2. Tuck into a Dumb Supper in Salem, USA
When: 27th October – 1st November
These silent suppers are held during the Pagan festival of Samhain, when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. Diners sit in a circle and at the end of the meal burn notes to their deceased loved ones. From the moment you enter the room, no one speaks. If you’re looking for something that has more of a fear factor than Jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating in one of the best places to visit for Halloween, there’s no better option.
3. Feast with ghosts in China
When: 15th night of the 7th Chinese month (around September)
Okay, this one doesn’t quite take place when Halloween is celebrated, but it will be incredibly familiar to anybody who’s experienced Halloween traditions around the world. Teng Chieh (or the Feast of the Hungry Ghosts) involves lighting bonfires and lanterns and giving food offerings to guide dead relatives returning to the world for one night.
4. Join the Halloween Parade in Tokyo, Japan
When: 27th October
Japan has given us some of the best foreign language horror films, like Ju-On (The Grudge) and Ring, so it’s safe to say they get Halloween. Dressing up here is a serious business, and the Kawasaki Halloween Parade is famous for its outrageous costumes, delivering everything on the dress-up spectrum from zombie queens to creepy teddy bears. Jump on our popular Japan Unrivalled tour in October and you can see it in person!
5. Visit a real-life haunted mansion in San Francisco, USA
When: Last two weekends in October
The US is one of the most haunted countries in the world and San Francisco is one of its oldest cities, so it makes sense that every Halloween locals transform one of the oldest grand old homes into Mayhem Mansion. The terrifying event is considered one of the best haunted houses in all of America. Not for the easily scared.
6. Party with Dracula in Romania
When: 31st October
Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s castle) opens its doors for an epic party every Halloween. Think horror movies, local (blood-)red wine and dancing in the grounds until 4am. As you’d expect there are limited tickets and getting them can be quite a hassle, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime Halloween party.
7. Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico
When: 1st to 2nd November
Dia de los Muertos is a celebration like no other. Unfolding over two days but with celebrations kicking into gear well before that, the street parties, parades, and ethereal vigils have been made world famous by films like Coco. Whether you’re watching families lighting candles in cemeteries, drinking mezcal in the streets with strangers, or getting transformed into La Catrina by a face painter, it’s undoubtedly one of the best Halloween traditions in the world to experience.
8. Tuck into fortune-telling bread in Ireland
When: October
The Irish were celebrating Halloween back when it was Sahmain and linked to the harvest season, and one of their oldest traditions lives on. ‘Barmbrack’ is the bread that decides your fate. Filled with sultanas, raisins and also string, rings or silver coins, the loaf will tell your future. It’s said that the slice you pick will determine your wealth and success in love. If finding out your future via bread sounds appealing, then check out our Ireland in a Week trip!
9. Celebrate the living and the dead in Cambodia
When: End of September to mid-October
The Buddhist holiday of Pchum Ben is celebrated widely in Cambodia and honours the dead and the elderly. There are delicious family-style meals and temple visits to offer up fresh flowers. Bright and beautiful, this is a Halloween tradition to seek out if you are looking for something a little more serene.
10. Wreak havoc on Mischief Night in North America
When: 30th October
The night before Halloween, revellers in New England and Detroit take ‘trick or treat’ to a whole new level. In the past mischievous missions could be as intense as setting cars on fire, but nowadays pranks are a lot less criminal, partly aided by Angel Patrols who roam the streets to keep order at night. Not quite carving pumpkins!
11. Trick of treat Philippines
When: 1st and 2nd November
Young children going door to door asking for gifts? No, this isn’t Halloween in the US, but Pangangaluluwa in the Philippines. This Tagalog tradition celebrates All Saints Day and All Souls Day, but like many global Halloween traditions has blended with local customs to create a totally unique celebration. You’ll hear local songs, and stories about spirits flitting back into this realm for the evening.
What is the most famous Halloween tradition?
The most famous Halloween tradition is probably trick or treating, which has its roots in Medieval times.
