Halloween
Join in the festive spirit of Halloween, a time when creativity and community come together.
- Roots
- The tradition dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.
- Vibe
- A mix of spooky fun and community bonding.
- Also on Oct 31
- Reformation Day · Girl Scout Founder’s Day · Caramel Apple Day
- Hashtag
- #Halloween
3 ways to celebrate
Carve the pumpkins
Scoop, carve and light them up on the porch by dark.
Throw a costume party
Pick a theme, hand out prizes and dance until midnight.
Run a desk contest
Decorate your workspace spooky and let everyone vote.
Fast facts
The story
Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. It was believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. To ward off these unwelcome visitors, people would light bonfires and wear costumes. Over the centuries, this tradition evolved into the Halloween we know today, characterized by costumes, trick-or-treating, and festive gatherings.
Read the full story
In America, Halloween became popular in the late 19th century, particularly among Irish immigrants who brought their customs with them. The practice of trick-or-treating emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, initially as a way for children to engage with their communities. Today, Halloween is celebrated with a variety of activities across the country, from haunted houses to pumpkin patches. It has grown into a major commercial event, with costume sales and candy purchases peaking each year.
A unique aspect of Halloween is its ability to blend the eerie with the joyous. Families and friends come together to celebrate in creative ways, such as hosting costume parties or decorating homes with spooky themes. The spirit of Halloween fosters a sense of community, as local neighborhoods come alive with decorations and trick-or-treaters. Many towns hold parades and festivals, inviting residents to showcase their costumes and enjoy seasonal treats.
Internationally, Halloween is observed in various forms. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) honors deceased loved ones with altars and offerings. In other cultures, similar harvest festivals celebrate the changing seasons. Whether you’re dressing up in costume or indulging in sweet treats, Halloween invites everyone to embrace the thrill of the spooky season while building connections with others.
Did you know?
Costume Origins
The tradition of wearing costumes comes from ancient Celts who disguised themselves to avoid detection by roaming spirits.
Halloween and Candy
Candy corn, a popular Halloween treat, was first manufactured in the 1880s.
Pumpkin Facts
The largest pumpkin on record weighed over 2,800 pounds, grown in the UK.
Haunted House Popularity
Haunted houses have become a staple of Halloween entertainment, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Trick-or-Treating Evolution
Trick-or-treating was popularized in the U.S. during the 1950s and has become a beloved tradition.
Halloween Spending
Americans spend more than $3 billion on Halloween candy alone each year.
Halloween Movies
Movies like 'Hocus Pocus' and 'Halloween' have become iconic representations of the holiday.
Around the world
Every culture celebrates a little differently.
- USUnited StatesHalloween is widely celebrated across the U.S., with traditions varying from coast to coast.
- CACanadaCanadians also partake in Halloween festivities, with trick-or-treating being a popular activity.
- GBUnited KingdomIn the UK, Halloween has gained popularity, though it is often celebrated differently than in North America.
- IEIrelandIreland is credited with many Halloween traditions, including the ancient festival of Samhain.
- MXMexicoWhile Halloween is celebrated, the Day of the Dead is a more significant cultural event in Mexico.
- AUAustraliaHalloween is increasingly embraced in Australia, with more communities participating in festivities each year.
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