Although Halloween’s origins date back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, it has grown to a nearly global event with variations in many countries. American Halloween is perhaps the most famous since it has become a huge commercial holiday that influences everything from movies to candy packaging.
American traditions like carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating are growing in popularity worldwide, but ultimately, each country maintains its own traditions and core themes. Many countries also celebrate holidays related to Halloween, such as All Saints’ Day or Dia de Muertos, which each have their own significance.
Countries worldwide embrace a reason to celebrate as winter approaches and here are some of the most famous and surprising celebrations from around the world.
Irish and British Halloween
Ireland still celebrates Samhain Eve, its traditional October 31 festival, with bonfires, feasting, and divination. Although it has been somewhat influenced by other countries’ traditions, the authentic Samhain foods and activities have changed little over the years.
The traditional Halloween meal is a boiled potato, curly kale, and raw onions. However, many families have expanded this to include even more delicious foods. The dessert is usually Barmbrack cake, a type of fruit cake studded with various items to be discovered, which supposedly tell your fortune.
Trick-or-treat originated in Ireland with the tradition of soul cakes. Children and the poor would go around asking neighbors for soul cakes and prayed for the souls of the neighbors’ deceased relatives in exchange for the cakes.
The rest of the UK largely borrows its Halloween traditions from Ireland. Halloween candy is more of an American tradition than an Irish one, but English, Scottish and Welsh families sometimes do trick-or-treat with small cakes and snacks. You can try some of these unique UK treats with an international snack box subscription.
Pangangaluluwa in the Philippines
Many European traditions, including Halloween, eventually moved to the Philippines with the Spanish colonization. A tradition similar to Irish soul cakes appeared in the Philippines in an activity known as Pangangaluluwa, in which children and the poor would pray for the souls of the dead in exchange for sweets.
Pangangaluluwa has become less popular in recent years in favor of more American-style trick-or-treat. However, some in the Philippines are making a push to bring back the tradition’s religious roots.
Halloween in the Philippines isn’t confined to a single date; instead, it extends over two weeks, beginning a week before October 31st and ending on November 2nd, All Soul’s Day. According to their Catholic customs, November 1st and 2nd are spent picnicking at the cemetery, mourning, and celebrating deceased loved ones. It’s not unusual for graveside karaoke to break out as well as board games and dancing.
A Growing Trend in Japan
Although Japan did not traditionally celebrate Halloween, it is growing in popularity among adults and kids alike. While kids don’t do much for Halloween, young adults like to dress up in costumes and go to bars or street parties, especially in the major cities.
The biggest Halloween party of the year occurs in the trendy Shibuya neighborhood in Tokyo. Here, you can find revelers in costumes, including characters from popular Japanese animation and comic series. There’s also a massive parade in Kawasaki, just outside Tokyo, but entering the parade requires registration two months in advance.
Hong Kong Parties
Like in Japan, Hong Kong did not celebrate Halloween in decades past. However, celebrations have caught on around the city, especially in major nightlife districts. Some of these events draw heavily from local beliefs and traditions, but Western ideas of Halloween influence others.
Hong Kong Disneyland also hosts its own Halloween celebration every year. Locals and tourists flock to the Western-style celebration complete with pumpkins, costumes, and lots of spooky treats.
Spooky Costumes in Australia
Australia has slowly begun celebrating Halloween as well, although trick-or-treating hasn’t caught on much yet. Kids might enjoy Halloween candies or snacks during get-togethers with their friends.
However, kids in Australia don’t usually dress up as princesses, dragons, or superheroes. They almost exclusively wear traditional scary costumes, like vampires and ghosts, and might even put fake blood on.
Adults also don’t dress up much in Australia, and typically only participate in Halloween festivities if they have kids. Since not all Australians participate in Halloween, it has become a tradition to hang an orange balloon in front of your house if you are joining in the fun. This ensures that the neighborhood kids know which house will have candy.
Dia de Muertos in Mexico
Mexico and many other Latin American countries have a long tradition of honoring the souls of their loved ones in the fall. Eventually, this tradition merged with Roman Catholic traditions, especially All Saints’ Day, to create Dia de Muertos or Dia de Los Muertos.
In some areas, Day of the Dead festivities have been influenced by American and European traditions. However, many parts of Mexico celebrate versions of Dia de Muertos that are more heavily influenced by indigenous culture. Many people create elaborate altars for their loved ones’ souls and set out food, pillows, and blankets so the souls can come to visit.
Festivals in Chile
Chile does not have the same emphasis on Halloween parties and candy as many other countries. However, Dia de Muertos and Halloween are popular there too, and many events are scheduled to coincide with it.
Depending on which city you’re in, you might find beer festivals, block parties, and other huge events going on. Dia de Muertos in Chile is technically November 2, but events may be spread out over several days depending on what day of the week it falls on.
All Saints’ Day in France
Despite its proximity to England, France does not really celebrate Halloween. Children typically have two weeks off from school at the end of October due to All Saints’ Day on November 1, but France hasn’t embraced trick-or-treating or other Halloween traditions.
Instead, the focus is entirely on All Saints’ Day, or La Toussaint. Many French people visit loved ones’ graves and attend special church events and banks and government buildings are closed for the public holiday.
Ethiopian Traditions
Halloween has not caught on in most African countries in large part because of the imagery associated with witchcraft and demons. However, Ethiopia has a similar holiday, Buhé, that occurs in mid-August.
During Buhé, children go door-to-door singing songs and asking for bread. Although they do not wear costumes, the resulting community celebration has an atmosphere similar to Halloween. The festival also has strong religious roots and reminds children to respect their elders and ancestors.
Growing Influence Worldwide
As the internet grows, people all over the world are continuing to learn about other cultures and holidays. Countries that previously didn’t celebrate Halloween are starting to embrace the costumes, candy, and parties that make it so much fun. Even countries that maintain their own traditional versions of the holiday use community-building events similar to trick-or-treating to let kids have fun.
No matter what your plans are for Halloween, don’t forget to stock up on new and exciting treats with international snack boxes. Different countries have their own traditional candies and snacks and MunchPak brings a selection to you each month. Check out our subscription options and online store for a wide selection of unique treats for your family.
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