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 Halloween Celebrations around the World: Just a Little Bit of History

One of the oldest holidays in the world, Halloween’s origins are rooted in the ancient Celtic Festival
of Samhain, which commemorated the ancient Celtic New Year on November 1st. This day
(1)____________ the end of summer and the harvest, and also, the beginning of the cold winter, a time
of a year (2)____________ with darkness and death. The ancient Celts believed that the night before
the “New Year”, which is October 31st, the (3)____________ between the worlds of the living and the
dead overlapped and the ghosts of the dead returned to earth, causing trouble and damaging crops.
Celebrations included the building of bonfires, animal sacrifices and dressing up in (4)____________.
After the Romans (5)____________ Ireland and the British Isles during the 1st century A.D., the
celebrations were combined with the Roman festival of Feralia, which commemorated the passing of
the dead and following the (6)____________ of Christianity, the holiday became associated with "All
Souls Day," which also celebrated the dead.

In the U.S., early celebrations of (7)____________ were limited in colonial New England, but in
Maryland and southern colonies in the United States, people gathered to (8)____________ the harvest
and share histories of the dead, tell each other’s fortune and sing (9)____________ songs and hymns.
During the second half of the (10)____________ century, the US received millions of new Irish
immigrants who brought their Celtic-rooted Halloween traditions with them, including dressing in
costume and going door-to-door to ask for "tricks or treats!" By the end of the 19th century, the
holiday had become a largely secular celebration incorporating costumes, trick-or-treating and the
preparation of special seasonal foods and drinks.

What Countries Celebrate Halloween the Best?

Like nearly everything else, Halloween has gone global and the traditions of costumes, candy and
trick-or-treating can be found in nations across the globe. In addition, many nations and cultures claim
their own holidays that celebrate the dead, and incorporate costume-wearing, pranks and other
elements that are associated with Halloween in the U.S. and the British Isles.
Discover the many traditions of Halloween and similar celebrations around the world!

11. South Korea

During Halloween, the district of Itaewon in the heart of Seoul closes its streets to automobile traffic
and various booths are set up to prepare for a wide variety of festivities, including live music, costume
contests, and plenty of drinking. In addition, the majority of the restaurants, clubs and bars in
this neighborhood put on different events where expats and Koreans gather for late nights of carousing
and dancing - all in costume, of course!!!
Koreans also hold their parallel Halloween celebration called “Chusok,” which is held at the end of
August and beginning of September, when families get together to thank relatives that have passed
away offering altars with fruits, rice and prayers.
10. China
Halloween is a very __________ celebration among Americans, Canadians and other expatriates living
in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities like Hong Kong, where festive parties can found
__________ the city. The locals also celebrate a festival known as Teng Chieh (The Festival of the
Hungry Ghosts) where food and water are placed in front of photographs of family members who have
departed; also __________ are lit to light the paths for spirits wandering the earth on the festival's eve.

9. Japan
Much Japanese youth are fond of dressing in ____________ and throughout major cities, locals and
expats gather for boisterous Halloween celebrations. In addition, the Japanese celebrate the
____________ Festival, also known as “Matsuri” or “Urabon”, which is similar to Halloween in that
it’s dedicated to the spirits of ancestors, and takes place during July or August.

8. Italy
“The Souls Day” on November 1st is celebrated in Italy with ____________ food and customs. One of
the favorite preparations is “Fave dei Morti” a traditional cookie ____________ that is offered as a
ritual offering to the dead and gods of the nether world.

7. Spain
American-style Halloween is a new ____________ in Spain, but its popularity is growing among
children and university students, and of course, it is enthusiastically celebrated by thousands of foreign
English teachers from the U.S., U.K. and other major English-speaking nations. Some towns are
decorated and parties are held throughout different cities. The Catholic feast of All Souls Day has been
marked for centuries and October 31st is known locally as “El Día de las Brujas” (Day of the
Witches). In addition, the day is known as “The day of the Pumpkins” in the ____________ region of
Galicia and also as “Dia de Los Muertos” (Day of the death).

6. Thailand
Most Thais don't know about Halloween, let alone participate in it, but the country's huge expatriate
population celebrates it with great fervor and in Bangkok, major nightlife spots like Silom Soi 4 and
Sukhumvit Road come alive as hundreds of bars and nightclubs throw special Halloween bashes. The
holiday has become a particular favorite of the local gay and lesbian ____________ though certainly,
all are welcome!

5. Greece
In Greece, Halloween is celebrated primarily by expatriates and tourists in hotels and bars. However,
Greeks do celebrate a similar event “The Apokrias,” which takes place in February when children
dress up in costume and call upon their friends to see if they can guess their identities. “Treats” like
cake and sweets are also handed out in and in large cities, Carnival-like parades are held along major
streets. And did you know? Greeks have their own recipe for “Greek Pumpkin Pie” called
“Kolokythopita”!
4. Germany
Halloween celebrations are somewhat new in Germany, but old traditions associated with All Souls
Day include putting away knives on Halloween night to prevent harm from returning spirits. Today, in
major cities, particularly university towns, local youth and expatriate English teachers enjoy dressing
up and getting together for drinks and parties in a variety of local clubs and bars. It's a perfect time to
whip out that old Beethoven costume!

3. Chile
Halloween celebrations are becoming increasingly popular in Chile, particularly in major cities like
Santiago, where shops, supermarkets, and malls break out special decorations and kids just love to
wear costumes and knock on the doors of their neighbors asking for candy. In addition, clubs, pubs and
bars organize a variety of colorful parties and events, including costume contests and masquerade
parties. On November 1st many families mark “All Saint Days” (El Día de todos los Santos) by
visiting the cemetery to place flowers on graves, and also balloons or teddy bears to decorate the tombs
of children. It’s a time of reconnection and remembrance for those who have departed life on earth.

2. Brazil
Even if it isn’t a major holiday in the land of Carnival expatriates in Brazil do celebrate Halloween and
many locals are more than happy to join the party! Local flavor includes caipirinhas, batucada and
colorful parades with drum music! It can be easy to find a Halloween party as most of the restaurants,
bars and clubs in Rio de Janeiro and especially in the Lapa district prepare special Halloween nights
and spooky festivities, so join the fun!

1. Mexico
Among many Spanish-speaking countries, Halloween is known as “El Día de Los Muertos” (the day of
the dead), and incorporates a three-day celebration that begins on October 31st and culminates in
November 2nd. It’s the time of the year when families remember their dead and the continuity of life.
It’s also time when monarch butterflies are returning to Mexico from the north, and are thought to bear
the spirits of the dearly departed who are coming home. Families set up altars with flowers, bread and
candies next to pictures of family members.