When Halloween is discussed in the United States, some associated topics typically include candy, costumes, movies, and trick-or-treating, but did you know that Halloween is celebrated differently around the world? It’s true! Halloween is celebrated differently worldwide! Different countries celebrate the spooky holiday in their own unique way. Discover how various countries celebrate Halloween in unique ways below.
Mexico
Children in Mexico look forward to trick-or-treating on October 31st. Halloween in this country marks the beginning of the Day of the Dead celebration. Day of the Dead takes place on November 1st and 2nd and dates back about 3,000 years. During this holiday, the gates of Heaven open up, which allows deceased family members to reunite with their loved ones. The holiday is celebrated with large feasts, presents, and visits to the gravesites of loved ones. People in Mexico usually wear skull masks and enjoy skull-shaped snacks and candies.
Japan
Halloween is viewed as a newer holiday in Japan. The holiday is celebrated similarly to the U.S, but contains a new twist. Japan has other holidays that celebrate the deceased, which makes trick-or-treating less popular. When it comes to Halloween, Japan focuses primarily on costumes. Believe it or not, mostly adults celebrate the Halloween tradition and do so by visiting parties and nightclubs.
England
Children in England celebrate Halloween similarly to those in the U.S., but once again, it is overshadowed by their holiday of Guy Fawkes Day. This holiday commemorates the failed assassination attempt on King James I by Guy Fawkes before he was found with barrels of gunpowder and sentenced to death. People in England celebrate by creating bonfires, and children substitute trick-or-treating by walking around neighborhoods asking for “a penny for the guy”.
Italy
Instead of Halloween, Italian residents celebrate Ognissanti on November 1st, which translates to “all saints”. Although it is celebrated differently in various cities, this holiday is dedicated to honoring all the saints in Italy. In Sicily, it is said that the deceased rise from the dead and bring gifts to children, whereas in Sardinia, children go door-to-door asking for items from those who have passed away. Additionally, people visit the gravesites of loved ones and place candles in pumpkins to use as lanterns.
Ireland
For those unaware, Halloween originates from Ireland, so calling this holiday there “big” would be an understatement. Halloween originates from an ancient festival in Samhain, 2,000 years ago, marking the beginning of winter in Pagan Ireland. Each year, hundreds of festivals in Ireland celebrate the folklore behind the Celtic holiday.
Visit Night of the Jack at King Gillette Ranch During the Fall of 2025
The fall can’t come soon enough! During the fall of 2025, plan your next visit to the best Halloween celebration of the year at the Night of the Jack in King Gillette Ranch, California. Be sure to purchase your tickets here when they go on sale and fill out our contact form with any questions about the event!