Halloween is believed to have its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in Scotland and Ireland. People would wear costumes and light bonfires to ward off the ghosts of the dead as they welcomed the Celtic New Year. The Scottish and Irish also celebrated with traditional food and games.
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III declared November 1st as a day to honor saints. Over time, some Samhain traditions blended with All Saints’ Day, and the evening before became known as All Hallows Eve—eventually, Halloween. Today, Halloween has evolved into a holiday filled with trick-or-treating, jack-o’-lanterns, unique costumes, and festivals.
Halloween is one of the oldest holidays globally, celebrated in various countries, each with its own twist. Experiencing different Halloween traditions around the world is a must for any Halloween and travel enthusiast. Before you set off on your spooky adventures, remember to secure solid travel insurance to ensure you’re covered no matter what happens.
Famous Halloween traditions around the world
Here are some of the most notable and fun Halloween traditions from across the globe:
Halloween in the U.S.
Halloween was introduced to the United States by Irish and Scottish immigrants. In the 19th century, Halloween was more about tricks than treats, with pranksters causing harmless mischief, although some tricks went too far and inconvenienced locals.
Today, Halloween in the U.S. is a massive celebration with masquerade parties, children going door-to-door for trick-or-treating, and homes adorned with spooky decorations like skeletons and jack-o’-lanterns. The holiday also features unique costumes, haunted houses, ghost stories, and scary games. If you’re in the U.S. for Halloween, make sure to visit towns like Salem, Massachusetts, famous for its haunted history, or check out the elaborate home displays in neighborhoods that go all out for this eerie holiday.
The Village Halloween Parade in New York City is the largest Halloween event in the country, attracting over 2 million spectators and featuring more than 50,000 costumed revelers and giant puppets in 2016. It’s a spectacle worth experiencing for any traveler.
Halloween in Scotland
Halloween’s roots trace back to Scotland, dating over 3,000 years. The pagan Celts celebrated Samhain, marking the transition to the new year and warding off ghostly spirits.
The Celtic New Year is still observed in parts of the U.K. Every October 31st, you can experience the Samhain Fire Festival in Edinburgh, featuring elaborate costume performances. For a truly mystical experience, visit Edinburgh and watch the city’s narrow streets transform into a theater of ancient Celtic rituals. In rural areas, bonfires are lit, and locals gather in costumes, spending the evening trick-or-treating and enjoying traditional parties with treasure hunts, games, and food.
Travelers seeking an authentic, mystical celebration of Halloween should explore Scotland during this time, where the festival atmosphere is unlike any other.
Halloween in Mexico
In Mexico, Halloween is known as “El Día de Los Muertos” or “Day of the Dead,” a three-day celebration from October 31st to November 2nd. The first day honors deceased children, known as angelitos (little angels), and the following day is dedicated to all departed souls.
During this celebration, families build altars to commemorate the dead, decorated with toys, sweets, and items meaningful to the deceased. Marigolds, believed to guide spirits to their offerings, adorn these altars. People also eat “pan de muerto” (bread of the dead) and wear colorful skeleton costumes. The festivities often continue into the night at cemeteries, where families gather to celebrate the lives of those who have passed. To fully immerse yourself in this tradition, visit Oaxaca or Mexico City, where the streets come alive with vibrant parades, music, and art during this iconic holiday.
Halloween in China
While expats in China celebrate Halloween, the country has its own similar festival: the Hungry Ghost Festival, or “Teng Chieh,” held on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month.
During this time, locals leave food and water next to photos of deceased relatives and light floating lanterns to guide wandering spirits. They also burn symbolic items like money, cars, or houses to appease the dead. For a traditional celebration, visit Ziyuan County, where the Hungry Ghost Festival is an unforgettable experience. The festival is also observed in Singapore, Indonesia, and other regions with large Chinese populations.
Halloween in Japan
In Japan, Halloween has gained popularity in recent years, though it’s less about traditional trick-or-treating and more about elaborate costumes and street parties. The celebration is heavily influenced by Japanese cosplay culture, with many people dressing as their favorite anime or manga characters rather than classic Halloween monsters.
One of the biggest Halloween events takes place in Shibuya, Tokyo, where thousands of people gather for a massive street party. The whole district transforms into a colorful display of costumes, and the atmosphere is filled with music and lively celebrations. For travelers looking to experience Halloween with a unique twist, Japan offers an unforgettable fusion of Western Halloween and Japanese pop culture.
Halloween in South Korea
Halloween is not a traditional holiday in South Korea, but younger generations have started to embrace it. Koreans celebrate a similar festival known as “Chuseok”, a time to thank ancestors for the year’s harvest.
Although Chuseok occurs in August, expats and some locals celebrate Halloween with costumes, ghost stories, and parties. Trick-or-treating is popular in private schools, and many people use the holiday as a chance to socialize and enjoy the weather. If you’re visiting South Korea during Halloween, don’t miss out on the colorful festivities in the trendy districts of Seoul, where expats and locals alike throw vibrant Halloween parties.
Halloween in Nepal
In Nepal, a holiday similar to Halloween is known as “Gai Jatra”, or the “Cow Festival,” observed in late summer. It honors those who have passed away in the past year.
During the festival, children dress as cows and march in processions, as it is believed that cows guide the spirits of the dead. The celebrations also feature music, food, comedy, face painting, and elaborate costumes. Travelers visiting Nepal during Gai Jatra will be treated to a colorful, cultural experience that provides a unique perspective on honoring the dead.
Halloween in Italy
In Italy, Halloween blends with Catholic traditions for All Saints’ Day. Celebrated on October 31st and November 1st, people offer Fave dei Morti, beans traditionally given to the dead. Romans believed that spirits fed on these beans.
The best Halloween celebration in Italy takes place in Borgo a Mozzano, Tuscany, featuring spooky games, theatrical performances, and ghostly experiments. For a haunting yet charming experience, visit the ancient Devil’s Bridge during Halloween, where legends of spirits and strange happenings bring a magical element to this small Italian town.
Halloween in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the celebration similar to Halloween is called “Pangangaluluwa”, lasting from late October until November 2nd. Strongly influenced by Catholicism, Filipinos dedicate November 1st and 2nd to honoring their deceased loved ones.
Families visit cemeteries with fragrant flowers, candles, and prayers. Although Western-style trick-or-treating has become popular, the focus remains on visiting memorials and reflecting on the dead. Travelers who find themselves in the Philippines during this time can witness a deeply spiritual and reflective side of Halloween that goes beyond costumes and candy.
Halloween in Poland
Poles observe “Zaduszki”, or the Day of the Dead, on November 2nd. It’s a significant event for Catholics, where families visit cemeteries to light candles on graves.
Halloween isn’t widely celebrated in Poland, as many Catholics feel it diverts from the holiday’s religious focus. However, some young Poles have begun embracing Halloween festivities. For a more traditional experience, travel to Poland during Zaduszki to see how deeply the locals honor their ancestors in a quiet and poignant reflection on life and death.
Travel and discover Halloween traditions around the world!
While not every country officially celebrates Halloween, many still recognize the holiday in some form. Some nations have their own unique traditions that share similarities with Halloween’s focus on honoring the dead and celebrating the supernatural.
If you’re eager to explore these diverse Halloween customs around the globe, make sure to secure Heymondo Travel Insurance. With the Heymondo App, you can easily handle any travel-related issues right from your phone, ensuring a worry-free adventure wherever your travels take you!
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