Halloween is an annual tradition celebrating everything supernatural and can be traced back over 2000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. In the UK, celebrations are growing year on year, with pumpkin picking and carving, trick or treating, costume parties and decorations everywhere you go. In this blog post, we’ll share 5 spooky traditions from around the globe.
Japan
On the last Sunday of October, the Kawasaki Halloween Parade takes place in Tokyo. The parade is known for its extravagant costumes – and with good reason, as the best costume wins a significant prize! The Kawasaki celebration also includes seasonal events for families and horror film screenings.
China
Teng Chieh (or the Feast of the Hungry Ghosts) is an integral part of Chinese culture. The spiritual celebration involves lighting bonfires and lanterns, as well as leaving food offerings to guide dead relatives returning to the world for one night.
Mexico
Children in Mexico also enjoy trick or treating on 31 October, leading to their traditional celebration of Dios de los Muertos, commonly known as the Day of the Dead on 1 and 2 November. Dating back 3000 years, this well-known holiday honours deceased family members and can be recognised by colourful parades, elaborate costumes and traditional offerings of food and drink.
Austria
The Pumpkin Festival in Austria, known as Kürbisfest, takes place at the end of October. Festivities include carving giant pumpkins into sculptures, as well as pumpkin pyramids, delicious food and even pumpkin beer. One pumpkin pyramid also holds a Guinness World Record for being the tallest of its kind!
South Korea
For three days in the middle of Autumn, Koreans combine Halloween and Thanksgiving to celebrate the harvest festival of Chuseok, also known as Hangawi. They feast together, exchange gifts and play traditional Chuseok games to honour the spirits of their ancestors.
Interested in studying with students from around the world? Check out which spooky subjects we offer or download a prospectus to learn more.