Breaking Down Diverse Halloween Traditions

Halloween– a notorious holiday and one of the oldest– is commonly celebrated annually on October 31st and had started as ancient festivals and religious rituals. Despite originating in Ireland, the holiday quickly gained popularity in the U.S and is still celebrated today across the nation. Most who grew up in the U.S are already familiar with ways of celebrating such as dressing up, trick or treating, and exploring haunted houses. However, outside of the U.S, Halloween is a whole different story. 

“No one really celebrates, I mean some people might decorate their house but it’s not common,” Claudia Cobles, 12, said. Claudia, who is a foreign exchange student from Spain, added further that “Where I’m from, instead of celebrating halloween we have a La Castanyada (a traditional festival that celebrates the end of summer) but not every province does this,” Claudia stated. 

Countries such as Mexico and England also have different versions of halloween: each with their own traditions. For example, in Mexico El Dia Del Los Muertos (Day of The Dead), is a time to honor deceased loved ones. It is believed that by building private altars, the deceased are encouraged to visit and can use the altar as a guide. As a result, many families decorate theirs with favorite foods and personal photos. 

Most of England stopped celebrating Halloween as the protestent reformation began, nonetheless they still celebrate Guy Fawkes day- which has very little to do with Halloween other than the dates being similar. This holiday was formed to commemorate the execution of a notorious English traitor- Guy Fawkes, who attempted to blow up the English parliament building. Most do this by having bonfires and setting off fireworks. A huge contrast to it’s American counterpart that dedicates the month of October to Halloween. 

 “One of my favorite things to do in October is go to haunted houses and watch scary movies,” Stella Nigam, 11, said. “I can’t imagine fall without Halloween and vice versa,” Stella said. This sums up the general opinion of the student body. As the days become shorter, and the nights become longer- many can’t wait for the halloween festivities to begin.