In Mexico, the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a three-day-long celebration that takes place from the 31st of October to the 2nd of November, overlapping with Halloween. It is a time to honor lost loved ones and remember their lives through various festivities. The celebrations include setting up an altar for the dead, decorating gravestones, and baking bread or sugar skulls. Mexicans also hold a parade called the “Desfile de Día de los Muertos,” where participants wear ceremonial attire and painted faces.
In Ireland, where Halloween originated, the Celts it as Samhain, marking the start of winter. People would light bonfires and wear animal masks for protection from spirits believed to roam the earth on that day. Today, the country hosts the Halloween Festival in Derry, where visitors can watch performances and attend various in the haunted city.
In Spain, the Halloween celebrations are relatively new but gaining in popularity. Instead of trick-or-treating, they celebrate “La Castanyada” or the chestnut festival. As the name suggests, the highlight of the festival is the roasting and eating of chestnuts, almonds, and sweet potatoes.
In Japan, Halloween is an occasion for dressing up and gathering with friends, but it has not fully taken off. The equivalent festival is called “Obon,” which takes place in mid-August. During the “Obon” festival, people place candles and food offerings in front of Buddha pictures and graves. Later, they light fireworks and have a dance called “Bon Odori.”
In Sweden, Halloween is celebrated as “Alla Helgons Dag” or “All Saints’ Day.” They light candles and place them on the graves of their loved ones who have passed away. The weekend closest to November 1st is a public holiday, giving families an opportunity to gather at the cemeteries.
In India, Halloween is not widely celebrated, but the festival of Diwali often coincides with it. It is a significant religious and cultural festival in India, and it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. During the celebration, people light diya lamps, decorate their homes with lights, creating rangolis, and making sweets.
In conclusion, Halloween has many different interpretations worldwide, and each country has its unique way of celebrating the occasion. Whether it is honoring ancestors, roasting chestnuts, lighting candles, or dressing in costume, the holiday is always a festive time. Despite being associated with all things spooky, Halloween is a celebration of life, remembrance, and a strong sense of community.