Halloween in the UK and US is all about children getting dressed up to go trick or treating with their friends where they receive lots of sweets and chocolate. Pumpkin carving is also a popular activity with many people getting into the competitive spirit to see who can carve the best design.
Not all countries have taken up these customs though, and we spoke to some of our team from different countries to see whether or not Halloween is celebrated in their country, or if there are any other traditions that they have instead during this time of year…
Japan
Halloween in Japan is a time for adults to party and enjoy costumes. A Halloween night out is very popular in Japan and has caused some cities like Shibuya to ban parties on the street this year due to concerns about overcrowding. Similar to the UK and US, products featuring ghosts and pumpkins are found in Japan around Halloween. You will also find Halloween-themed food and sweet treats in cafes and restaurants.
Spain
Halloween in Spain was not a thing until the last 15 years ago or so, and today it is mostly popular with children as they get to dress up. In Spain, November 1st is an important holiday called “Día de Todos los Santos” (All Saint’s Day), and the 2nd of November is called “Día de los Difuntos” (All Soul’s Day). On both of these days, people pay respects to their loved ones usually by leaving flowers on their graves. Spain also has quite a few sweet recipes that are typical of this time, such as Huesos de santo (the literal translation would be Saint’s bones due to their shape) which are made of marzipan and filled with sweet egg yolk!
Germany
Over the past few decades, Halloween has become more popular in Germany and many children go ‘trick or treating’ like in the UK. In Germany, there is also an event called St.Martin’s Procession that takes place on or around the 11th of November. The procession takes place in the dark where children sing and take lanterns that they’ve made and light them. One of the largest processions that takes place is in Kempen, northwest of Cologne.
France
Halloween hasn’t really taken off in France, but November 1st is known as “la Toussaint” (All Saint’s Day). This is a day for people to remember their loved ones who have passed away. Many people will visit loved one’s graves and leave flowers. Chrysanthemums are often the flower of choice, although the origins of this aren’t clear. One theory is that chrysanthemums were chosen because of their meaning as they symbolise happiness and long life.
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