When is Halloween? Halloween is on October 31, a night of enchanting mysteries and spine-chilling delights. Beyond its modern-day festivities of trick-or-treating and haunted houses, Halloween has a rich history rooted in ancient traditions. Join us on a journey through the intriguing past and present of this bewitching time of the year.
1. What day is Halloween? – Overview of Halloween
1.1. What is Halloween? – Origin of Halloween
Halloween’s origins can be traced back to the Celts, who resided in what is now Ireland, England, and northern France. They had an ancient festival called Samhain, which took place on October 31, serving as a celebration to mark the end of summer and the beginning of the new year on November 1.
They also believed that spirits returned to the earth on that night, so they wore costumes and lit bonfires to protect themselves. The Romans, after conquering Celtic territories, adopted some of these traditions. Over time, this festival merged with Christian cultures and evolved into the Halloween celebration we know today.
1.2. When does Halloween start and end?
Later, November 1 became All Saints’ Day, influenced by the Roman Empire’s rule over Celtic territories, to honor all Christian saints. This day was once called All Hallows’ Day or Allhallowmas, with “hallow” meaning to sanctify or make holy. The evening before, October 31, became known as All Hallows’ Eve, or more popularly, Halloween!
>>> Explore Halloween decorations for a wickedly fun Halloween!
1.3. When is Halloween this year 2024?
When is Halloween? Annually, Halloween is commemorated on October 31. But what day of the week is Halloween or what day does Halloween fall on in 2024? This is your answer:
- In 2024, it falls on Thursday
- In 2025, it will be on Friday
Mark your calendar with the date of Halloween so you will not need to wonder when is Halloween again!
2. Why is Halloween celebrated? – Meaning of Halloween
As European immigrants traveled to the United States, they brought Halloween with them. In the 1840s, Irish immigrants introduced the holiday in a form close to what we know today. Nowadays, Halloween is widely celebrated across many countries.
While the original purpose of warding off evil spirits may have changed, many countries have developed their own contemporary traditions. These include watching scary movies, adorning homes with spooky decorations, and participating in lively costume contests. Halloween has evolved into a global celebration filled with fun and creativity.
3. History of Halloween activities
3.1. Trick-or-treating
Trick-or-treating is a traditional activity during Halloween, where children dress up in costumes and go to their neighbors’ for candies and gifts. In case they get none, the children will give out idle threats as Halloween jokes. This tradition’s origins are unclear, but traces can be found in ancient Celtic festivals, early Roman Catholic holidays, medieval practices, and even British politics.
During the ancient Samhain celebrations, villagers would dress up in costumes made of animal skins to ward off ghostly guests. Tables were prepared and food was laid out to appease unwelcome souls. In the following centuries, people began to dress up as demons, ghosts and other evil beings, performing antics in exchange for food. This custom dates back to the Middle Ages and is thought to be the precursor to the tradition of trick-or-treating today.
3.2. Halloween costume parties
Halloween costume parties are especially popular in the United States around Halloween. On this day, teenagers and adults, who are deemed too old for trick-or-treating, will join the festivities by dressing up in the most creative, creepy, or fun Halloween costumes. They can become witches, vampires, or even pumpkins. This is a chance for your friends and family to wear family Halloween costumes and enjoy a night of entertainment and heart-warming bonding.
>>> Prepare some funny halloween costumes to have a spooktacular time!
3.3. Halloween decorations
Halloween decorations typically include outdoor and indoor decorations.
- Halloween decorations outdoor are displayed to adorn the exterior of homes, including gardens and yards, during the Halloween season. These decorations aim to create a haunting and creepy atmosphere for trick-or-treating and other outdoor activities. Popular outdoor Halloween decorations include illuminated pumpkin lights, life-sized skeletons, tombstones, cobwebs, weird lights, scarecrows, etc.
- Halloween decorations indoor are displayed to transform the interior of homes, offices, and other indoor areas into spooky spaces during Halloween, such as cobwebs, Halloween-themed tableware, window decals, creepy props, pumpkins, etc. These decorations help set the mood and create a relaxed atmosphere for Halloween parties, or simply for residents or colleagues to enjoy the holiday’s spirit.
4. Halloween celebrations around the world
4.1. How many countries celebrate Halloween?
Halloween is most commonly celebrated in 3 countries: Ireland, Canada, and the United States. It is also celebrated in many Asian countries like Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, etc.
4.2. Different Halloween traditions and activities worldwide
Not every country celebrates the exact Halloween. There are many different traditions and activities across countries and cultures worldwide, such as:
- United Kingdom: When is Halloween UK? A major part of the UK does not celebrate Halloween, but rather an occasion called Guy Fawkes Day on the evening of November 5. On this day, bonfires are set ablaze all across England, accompanied by the burning of effigies and the colorful spectacle of fireworks illuminating the night sky.
- Mexico: When is Halloween in Mexico? Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead, which is an occasion spanning from October 31 to November 2. On this occasion, it is believed that the border between spirits and the living dissolves, allowing for both realms to enjoy eating, drinking, and dancing together. Offerings are made at gravesites or home altars adorned with candles and marigolds.
- Japan: When is Halloween in Japan? Since Tokyo Disneyland hosted the first Halloween celebration in 2000, this holiday has gained popularity in Japan. As there is typically no trick-or-treating here, this occasion typically involves adults, who come to home gatherings, street parties, and parades in elaborate costumes. Surprisingly, Japanese trains become the most festive place with abundant themed decorations.
- Italy: When is Halloween in Italy? Instead of Halloween, Italy celebrates Ognissanti, which falls on November 1. This is the day for Italians to honor Catholic martyrs and saints. On this occasion, various regions of the country have unique traditions, like leaving vases full of water for the dead to drink when they pay a visit at night.
- Guatemala: When is Halloween in Guatemala? Guatemala celebrates Barriletes Gigantes, a festival similar to Halloween at the beginning of November. On this occasion, giant handmade kites fly over cemeteries. This 3,000-year-old practice is believed to be a way to communicate with the dead.
- Philippines: When is Halloween in the Philippines? Pangangaluluwa is the Filipino version of Halloween, taking place in the evening of November 1. On this day, children are dressed in white to look like ghosts, who come to their neighbors’ to ask for prayers and receive treats. Families gather at cemeteries to pay homage to their deceased loved ones and bond.
- Costa Rica: When is Halloween in Costa Rica? On October 31, Costa Ricans celebrate Dia de la Mascarada, their traditional festival similar to Halloween. Parades are organized, where people wear large handmade masks, dance, and sing folk music, preserving the 200-year-old tradition.
Although the names and times of the occasion may vary, some staple activities remain universal, such as donning Halloween costumes, watching Halloween movies or singing Halloween songs.
>>> Wear some easy Halloween costumes to make this Halloween memorable!
This year, how about experiencing such cultural differences by going on an overseas trip on Halloween? If you fancy this idea, we highly recommend Vietnam travel, especially if you are aiming for Asia. Vietnam has no lack of touristy destinations for you to explore and experience Halloween in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.
In these destinations, you can indulge yourself in the vibe of Halloween and have ample fun at VinWonders, a top-rated system of amusement and theme parks. At VinWonders, you will get to participate in many specially organized events with colorful carnivals, giant pumpkins, exciting activities, and exhilarating games in a bustling atmosphere.
In addition to the Halloween festivities, VinWonders offers countless other interesting experiences for you to try, such as challenging yourself with thrilling games, exploring the aquarium with thousands of sea creatures, observing wild animals in safari parks, enjoying spectacular cultural shows, and much more.
>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to enjoy a myriad of engaging activities and exciting games!
You have undoubtedly found the answer to the question “When is Halloween?” Over the years, this enchanting holiday has continued to evolve, embracing new customs while retaining its haunting allure. This year, consider an overseas Halloween trip, make a detailed plan in advance, and enjoy all the fun with your loved ones. Happy Halloween!