Are you ready for a little hocus pocus? With Halloween creeping up on the 31st of October, we’ve scoured the supernatural and superstitious to reveal 7 spooky Halloween traditions happening around the world on All Hallow’s Eve! 

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AN INTRODUCTION TO HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Ghosts and ghouls and gargoyles, oh my! Halloween isn’t just about monsters, carving pumpkins and an excuse for fancy dress. From Ognissanti to the Day of the Dead, the annual event is celebrated in a number of countries across the globe, each featuring their own set of intriguing Halloween traditions, often dating back to religious rituals and festivals of times gone by.

WHICH COUNTRIES CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN

Whether you’re gearing up to go all out this year in your scariest costume, or, you’re away for the occasion and wondering what might be happening to honour Halloween, from short breaks in Ireland to long-haul holidays in the USA, these are the countries you’ll find celebrating Halloween.

DAY OF THE DEAD (DIA DE LOS MUERTOS) IN CANCUN, MEXICO

Over in Mexico, Halloween marks the start of festivities ahead of Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead. The colourful two-day event recognised by UNESCO, begins when the clock strikes midnight on October 31st. Mexican families mark the occasion by paying tribute to those who have passed by leaving offerings for the dead, getting dressed up and taking part in parades and parties. 

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Cancun Holidays at this time of year promise an experience you simply won’t forget when you also throw this celebration into the mix. After all, the tropical destination is brimming with beautiful beaches, an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the water like swimming with dolphins and then there’s the history, culture and cuisine to enjoy too.

TRICK OR TREATING IN THE USA

The Americans really do know how to do Halloween. From incredible porches dressed up with pumpkins and lanterns to the famous tradition of trick or treating, it’s no wonder travelling to spend Halloween in the USA is on many people’s bucket lists. 

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With so many of our favourite Halloween films taking place in America - from family-friendly classics Hocus Pocus to all-out horror movies such as The Blair Witch Project, It and, of course, Halloween - taking a trip to the USA is a sure-fire way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and experience Halloween like never before.

SAMHAIN IN IRELAND

With origins dating right back to ancient Celtic and Pagan festivals, Samhain in Ireland simply means ‘summer’s end’ and begins on October 31st. Those who celebrate believe that Samhain allows the living and spirit worlds to communicate and the festival is marked by lighting bonfires and preparing dinners where a plate is also laid for deceased ones to come and dine. 

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Holidays to Ireland are full of mystery, myth and legend and so taking a short flight over for Halloween will only add to your adventures in this spirited country. 

DZIEN ZAUSZNY IN POLAND

Over in Poland, the start of November is a time for people to take a moment and visit the cemeteries and graves of their deceased loved ones. Much like Catholics have All Souls’ Day, Dzien Zaduszny is very similar and is marked by lighting candles, leaving flowers and praying for the departed.

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Poland holidays are steeped with rich history and cities like Krakow and Warsaw certainly set the scene for an escape full of mystery and discovery. 

OGNISSANTI IN ITALY

The Italian version of All Saints’ Day, Ognissanti, is a national holiday and festivities traditionally begin around Halloween. Gravestones become a kaleidoscope of colour as flowers are placed in memory and at sunset, the Italian’s light a single red candle in their windows.

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Holidays to Italy boast some of the most popular city break destinations; from the captivating canals of Venice to the romantic ruins of Rome, the ancient architecture of Italy’s cities are the perfect place to make memories and uncover some magic! 

GUY FAWKES DAY IN ENGLAND

Remember, remember the 5th of November… we all know the rhyme to mark Guy Fawkes Day, or Bonfire Night. In England it marks an evening spent wrapped up around a bonfire whilst watching spectacular firework displays light up the sky. 

Just five days after Halloween, this English tradition dates back to the 1600s and is the anniversary of uncovering the gunpowder plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. That night bonfires were lit all over the country to celebrate the king, a tradition that has carried through to the 21st century and is a calendar highlight of the autumn season.

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ALL SAINTS' DAY AND ALL SOULS' DAY AROUND THE WORLD

The two days that follow All Hallows Eve are All Saints’ Day on the 1st of November and All Souls’ Day on the 2nd of November. Celebrated in numerous countries, Anglicans and Catholics remember past saints with a celebratory feast on the 1st before praying for the departed and attending mass on the 2nd. 

Thinking about booking a late deal to get in on the action this Halloween? There’s no doubt the best way to experience these thrilling traditions is in person and we have some horrifyingly good holidays ready and waiting. Click here if you dare...

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