Halloween traditions worldwide: How different countries celebrate this spooky festival
Halloween is celebrated in various forms around the globe, each country adding its unique customs and flavors to the festivities. While pumpkins and trick-or-treating are popular in the United States, other cultures honor their ancestors or mark the change of seasons with rich traditions. Here's a look at five different Halloween traditions from around the world that showcase the diversity of this spooky season.
Italy: Ognissanti
Ognissanti, celebrated on November 1, marks Italy's All Saints Day, honoring martyrs and saints. The next day, November 2, is Giorno dei Morti (Day of the Dead), a time for family gatherings and mass. Celebrations vary by region: in Sicily, the deceased are believed to bring gifts to well-behaved children; in Rome, families dine near graves; and in other areas, pumpkin lanterns are made.
Spain: All Saints' Day
In Spain, All Saints' Day on November 1 is a day of remembrance for those who have passed away. Families visit cemeteries to decorate graves with flowers and candles, creating a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Traditional treats like "panellets," almond cakes covered in pine nuts, are enjoyed during this time. This celebration honors the deceased while fostering a sense of family unity and remembrance.
Guatemala: Festival de Barriletes Gigantes
Guatemala's Barriletes Gigantes is a vibrant festival in early November honoring All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead. Colorful, handmade kites fill the skies over the cemeteries of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango. This 3,000-year-old tradition symbolizes communication with the deceased. The kites, crafted from paper, cloth patches, and bamboo, are artistic representations of ancestral heritage and contemporary social issues.
Filipino: Pangangaluluwa
Pangangaluluwa is a Filipino tradition for honoring deceased souls on All Saints Day (November 1). Children dress in white sheets to resemble ghosts, knocking on doors to sing and request prayers, often receiving treats in return. This practice also serves as a time for families to gather at cemeteries, remembering their loved ones with food, games, and stories, celebrating their memories together.
Portugal: Festa das Bruxas
In Portugal, Halloween is referred to as "Festa das Bruxas" or Witch's Festival. Celebrated on October 31, children dress in costumes and go door-to-door collecting treats, much like trick-or-treating. Traditional foods such as "pão por Deus," sweet bread are offered in remembrance of loved ones. While it shares similarities with American customs, this celebration reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and local traditions.
