Pumpkins, Trick Or Treat, Costumes How Halloween Is Celebrated Around The World

Ireland

First celebrated in Ireland as Samhain, Halloween involved people dressing up in costumes to keep evil spirits away. The festival traces its history to the 2000-year-old pagan Ireland, and today continues to be celebrated around the country. Amidst festivities that include bonfires, costumes and trick or treat, the Irish have a special dessert - Barmbrack, with charms such as rings, peas or pieces of cloth, that is made to mark Halloween. If you find a ring in your cake, it is believed you&rsquoll be married within the year If you&rsquore around Dublin, visit the haunted Dublin tour, which allows you to learn local spooky tales. 

Mexico

Ever heard of inviting the dead to a feast This Mexican tradition is in fact one where the living honour the dead. Mexicans invite the souls of their deceased family members and ancestors to their homes as a sign of respect and remembrance. D&iacutea de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead is a happy celebration and a very vibrant one at that with floral decorations everywhere. The three-day celebration is held on November 1 and 2. On November 1, deceased children are remembered (the day is called D&iacutea de los Angelitios or Day of the Little Angels) and November 2 marks the remembrance of deceased adults (D&iacutea de los Muertos or Day of the Dead). The festival sees a lot of cultural activities, great food and live Mariachi bands serenading candlelight processions and vigils.

Scotland

This country has a unique Halloween ritual that involves throwing nuts into a fire to seek answers to questions. Nuts roasting without cracking signify a happy relationship while a broken nut is a sad sign for couples. Halloween in Scotland began with the Celtic Samhuinn Festival, which marked the end of the harvest season. 

Germany

Halloween in Germany is a sombre affair celebrated for a whole week, starting October 31, Germans visit the graves of saints and their dear ones and pay their respect to the dead. This week is called All Saints Day. While Halloween is not a typical German celebration, it has become popular in the country over the last few decades and sees pumpkin festivals being held around the country. 

USA

Halloween came to this country with Irish immigrants escaping the Potato Famine, in the latter half of the 19th century. Today, festive fervour grips the US and this secular holiday sees macabre decorations, costume parties and games that include bobbing for apples. Trick-or-treaters also go from house to house, collecting candy and Jack-o-lanterns are made by carving pumpkins and placing candles inside them.