Halloween

Halloween is a popular seasonal event, primarily observed in Western countries, which is characterized by various traditions and customs related to spooky themes, costumes, and, often, the commemoration of the deceased. As an observance, it has evolved over centuries into a celebration that combines elements of ancient pagan festivals and later religious practices, but now is mainly seen as a fun, family-oriented occasion. Both children and adults typically participate in activities such as dressing up in costumes, attending parties, carving jack-o'-lanterns, and trick-or-treating.

The origin of Halloween dates back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival known as Samhain, an occasion that marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark, colder months ahead. With the spread of Christianity, some of the Samhain customs merged with Christian rituals, predominantly the festivals of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, celebrated during the first two days of November. Nowadays, countries in the European Union have their own unique activities, foods, and customs associated with the observance, reflecting the rich cultural diversity in the region.

In the European Union, Halloween is observed in different ways, depending on the country and even the region within a country. Costume parties, themed events, and special Halloween decorations are common among EU citizens. Trick-or-treating, while not as widespread as in North America, is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among children. Additionally, there are still some traditional European customs, such as All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day celebrations, where people visit the graves of deceased relatives and light candles in their memory. Halloween is held annually on the night of October 31st, with the festivities often continuing into the early hours of November 1st.