Originating in Medieval Ireland, Halloween has become synonymous with crazy costumes, scary pranks, trick-or-treating games, gothic-themed parties, and fun times.
It is a one-of-a-kind festival that celebrates the dead. The following places worldwide do it in style, and it is a sure-shot way of endless spooky fun and celebration.
Derry City, Ireland
The origin of modern-day Halloween lies in ‘Samhain Night’, a medieval Irish festival that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of shorter days, the “darker half” of the year.
Derry City organises the biggest Halloween celebrations in Ireland, known as the ‘Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival’. This nine-day feast includes a parade, catwalks, workshops, several spooky haunted house trips, horror movies and shows, fireworks, and a Dragon Safari.
Hong Kong, Halloween
Known as the Halloween party capital of Asia, Hong Kong Disneyland hosts the annual Halloween Bash, which gives a new meaning.
The Lan Kwai Fong Halloween Street Party is famous among tourists from all over the world who visit Hong Kong during this time of the year.
The bars in the town are all decorated in keeping with the gothic theme of the occasion, and people come out to celebrate and revel on night dressed up in crazy costumes.
Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Massachusetts has a scary history. Known for its infamous witch trials in the 1600s, when many people were accused and prosecuted of witchcraft, the town has many scary traditions and rituals from the past.
Owing to its name, ‘Witch City,’ the city organises an annual Halloween-themed festival, which is a major tourist attraction in addition to its Witch Museum and the Old Harbour, which are the scariest places one can explore.
Sedlec Ossuary, Kutna Hora, Czech Republic
An extraordinarily scary chapel because of its unique exhibits and decorative pieces. Sedlec Ossuary is a gothic chapel decorated with garlands made of human skulls and bones, chandeliers made out of human ribs, chalices, and other decorative pieces.
This place is one of the twelve World Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic, and the number of visitors increases during the Halloween holidays.
Halloween, Transylvania, Romania
Dracula’s city, Transylvania, is the best place to spend Halloween. The town has its own gothic traditions, which have become its hallmark.
One can visit Dracula’s castles, fortified and ruined churches, and the famous fancy-dress Halloween party in Transylvania’s mountain retreat.
Oaxaca, Mexico
In Mexico, Halloween is called the Day of the Dead. Oaxaca is a town in Mexico where people observe the Day of the Dead from 31 October through 3 November. Every year, the streets are transformed and decorated with skulls and skeletons.
People come out of their homes dressed in their traditional horror costumes, prepare the favourite food of their dead relatives, and visit the cemeteries. The main square is decorated with lights, skeletons, and flowers, and people party here all night.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is known as “The Most Haunted City in America.” It is famous for its Halloween Eve fun. One can go on several haunted tours through the French Quarter or visit the Voodoo and costume shops, which sell innovative and scary costumes and give one a look into the history of the age-old gothic traditions.
The city hosts several Street Parties, the most famous being Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. Other options for the visitors are Hermann-Grima House and the Voodoo Music Festival.
London, England
London becomes a city of shadows and thrills during Halloween, making it a premier destination for those searching for history and horror. The city is famous for haunted castles, secret buildings, and spine-tingling attractions such as the London Dungeons and the notorious Jack the Ripper Walk.
Halloween in London is celebrated with numerous grand events, such as the Camden Carnival, Floripa London, and Jazz Ball.
If you seek an immersive experience, Madame Tussauds’ Chamber of Horrors and Victoriana killers’ serial killer tours offer an authentic glimpse of the city’s dark history.
London’s Halloween celebrations unite locals and tourists for costume events, parades, and themed activities that continue late through the night, making it a destination sure to become part of lore.
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