We’ve finally reached the month of October, and while over here in Europe the days turn darker and colder – we have one thing to look forward to: Halloween!
While many people think that Halloween is a rather new thing and a way for businesses to make money, it is actually a tradition dating back several hundred years.
Even the trick-or-treating tradition has been there since the Middle ages, although back then they were poor people who would receive food in return for prayers for the dead.
Halloween is celebrated in many parts of the world, and in many different ways, so here are a few great places to celebrate your next Halloween!
Edinburgh, Scotland – The Ghost Tours
Edinburgh, often referred to as the most haunted city in Europe, is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween and scare the hell out of yourself.
There are plenty of ghost tours to choose from, whether you want something more historically accurate or just creepy and scary stories.
Mary King’s Close takes you underground to streets where people once used to live, and have special access to some very interesting underground vaults.
The city itself is quite special, with many closes leading off the main streets, old beautiful buildings and a castle perched on top of an extinct volcano. In general, the old town is a dark place at night, and not at all as lit up as you would expect from a big city.
Prague, Czech Republic – The Creepy Atmosphere
Prague with its gothic architecture, cobble stoned streets and the old Jewish cemetery makes Prague the perfect Halloween destination.
The old Jewish cemetery is an eery plot of land – nobody knows exactly how many people have been buried they are buried in layers upon layers.
The grave stones are in all shapes and sizes, positioned in all directions, and about 12 000 are visible, but they estimate that 100, 000 people have been buried there.
Another reason to visit Czech Republic is to see the famous ossuary in Sedlec, one of the largest, spookiest oussaries in the world.
The estimated 70,000 human skeleton bones have been artistically arranged to decorate the church, both as furniture as well as an enormous chandelier (which contains at least one of every human bone in a body).
New York, USA – The Parade
New York’s Village Halloween Parade is an annual parade presented every Halloween in New York City’s Greenwich Village.
It’s a huge parade, in fact the largest public Halloween event in United States, drawing 2 million spectators and 50 000 participants – best of all, anyone who is dressed up in costume is welcome to join!
With so many people crowding the city it will be impossible finding parking in town, but there are many LaGuardia airport parking options available so you could leave the car there, and go with a better option and take the bus, and just so you know, the parade is held on 6th avenue!
Oaxaca, Mexico – For A Different Halloween
In Mexico they have a celebration quite similar to our Halloween but with some very distinct differences. It’s called ”The Day Of The Dead”, and is celebrated every year on the 1st and 2nd of November.
During these celebrations, dead relatives are allowed to return the mortal world to visit their loved ones, and get to sample earthly treats like drinks and food.
Gravestones are decorated and families gather in the graveyards to pay respect and bring the deceaced their favorite food.
This is the place I would most like to visit during Halloween – how about you? What are your plans for Halloween this year?
Nicole Smith says
Have to add Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland to the list. Where Halloween began!
Sheena Jenn Angkaw says
Nice! How I wish I can go there too=)
Maggie High says
If you are in college/university, UC Santa Barbara in California has one of the biggest and best Halloween parties. It’s unreal!
Tricia O. says
The scariest ghost tour I’ve ever been on was in Edinburgh. After that, York, and then Charleston, SC. Why do I keep doing that to myself?
Anonymous says
We are hoping to be in Chiapas for Día de los Muertos. Right next to Oaxaca and apparently they put on quite a celebration as well.
Adventurous Kate says
Must add Salem Massachusetts — home of the Salem Witch Trials, buy it’s since turned into Halloween year-round there. Halloween itself is AMAZING — the streets are filled with thousands of people in costumes. (My favorite part — the Christian protesters with their anti-Halloween signs facing off against five gay guys dressed as the Village People. Awesome.)
Sofia - As We Travel says
great choice, sounds like a perfect place to spend Halloween.
Sofia - As We Travel says
Thanks for adding your tip Maggie!
Sofia - As We Travel says
That sounds awesome, especially the face off 😉
Debbie Beardsley says
Ooh Edinburgh sounds good! I’ve added that to my bucket list. . . Edinburgh for Halloween 🙂
Global Basecamps says
Prague sounds like the place to be for Halloween. Which place are you planning on celebrating the spooky holiday?
Sofia - As We Travel says
Haha because we love to scare ourselves silly!
Sofia - As We Travel says
That’s awesome, hope you guys have a blast!
Sofia - As We Travel says
We have a few ideas in mind but haven’t decided yet, but time is running out so we better get going.
How about you, where will you be celebrating Halloween this year?
Cinnamonmartini says
Theses places look cool, but nothing beats Salem,Massachusetts!
GRRRL TRAVELER says
NYC Halloween Parade never fails, but the best part is to see people waiting for/or on the subways dressed in costume. I’ve always wanted to go to Mexico for all those Day of the Dead celebrations. The Edinburgh one sounds good tho!
Last year I was in Korea (no celebration) and this year… might just be Hawaii. Might not be very scary.
Leah says
Edinburgh would be an awesome place to spend Halloween. I’d like to add New Orleans and Austin to that list. Simply amazing.
Gerard ~ GQtrippin says
San Francisco is another popular spot. Specifically the Castro area. If you want to see some really ‘creative’ costumes, SF is the place to go.
Nomadic Samuel says
Oh I would love to do the ghost tour! Although Halloween is largely commercialized, I find it one of my favourite holidays and I have many positive memories from this experiences as a child 🙂
StevO says
No, it’s not scary but Halloween in Lahaina Maui is billed as the Marde Gras of the Pacific with people coming from the other islands and all over for this one night celebration. Front Street is closed off to traffic and the throngs of revelers fill it to capacity. The costume contest is amazing. I have been part of the winning entry three times. If you’re already in Hawaii that’s the place to be.