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Happy Halloween, Wonderous Travelers!
As the leaves paint the town shades of gold and the whispers of the crispy autumn breeze fill the air, Halloween time is once again upon us! This thrilling season isn’t just about the pumpkins or the candy—it’s about exploring the world through its spookiest celebrations
This time of year is my favorite for traveling (and just in general), and it got me thinking: How do other countries observe Halloween? Or do they even celebrate it at all?
Well, I’ve done the digging for you! So, grab your witch hat and pack some ghostly treats because we’re about to take you on a frightfully delightful journey through 6 spellbinding destinations that know how to embrace the eerie and enchanting charm of Halloween.
1. Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca, Mexico
What is Día de los Muertos? It’s a time when the veil between the living and the dead lifts for a magical 48 hours, starting at the stroke of midnight on October 31st. Families come together to build ofrendas—beautiful altars adorned with offerings to welcome back their departed loved ones for a special visit.
This celebration traces its origins back thousands of years, to the Aztec rituals that honored death with food, music, and dance. When the Spanish conquistadors invaded, they merged these traditions with Catholic beliefs, creating the Día de los Muertos we know and love today.
While this colorful holiday is acclaimed across Mexico, the city of Oaxaca is an iconic epicenter known for its vibrant and authentic festivities. Each region has its own unique twist, but the heart of the holiday remains the same: honoring the dead with joy and respect.
In Oaxaca City, you’ll find lively parades, explosive firecrackers, bustling markets, and stunning street art. Be sure to wander the city and admire the beautifully decorated altars set up in homes and businesses alike. If you venture out to nearby villages like Zaachila, Ocotlán, and Tlacolula, you’ll encounter equally vibrant energy and excitement.
Starting the night of October 31st, the cemeteries come alive with candlelit vigils. We recommend visiting Xoxo Cemetery in the nearby town of Xoxocotlán at dusk for a truly moving experience.
Then, at midnight on November 1st, head to Etla for the Muerteada parade. Picture crowds in elaborate costumes, adorned with reflective mirrors and intricate masks, dancing until sunrise. If you miss the first party, don’t worry—another one kicks off on November 2nd from 9 PM to 11 PM!
As you take part in these incredible festivities, remember that Día de los Muertos is a deeply sacred holiday for the Mexican people. Show respect, especially when visiting cemeteries, but also embrace the joy, color, and spirit of this unforgettable revelry!
Click here to read an article about Muerteadas!
Oaxaca Airport’s Guide to Day of the Dead
2. Salem, Massachusetts
In modern times, Salem has transformed each October into a haven for all things Halloween, with haunted tours, witch museums, parades, and festive markets filling the streets. While Salem’s Halloween charm and captivating past make for an unforgettable experience, it’s straddles a line between commemoration and commercialization of the Salem Witch Trials. This dark chapter of history, driven by hysteria and prejudice, deserves genuine reflection alongside the spooky festivities.
However, one of the ways to explore Salem’s history is through a walking tour of downtown, which will lead you past some of the town’s notable sites connected to the trials. Many attractions are connected by the “Heritage Trail,” a literal red line on the ground that guides visitors through the heart of downtown, making it easy to embark on a self-guided or guided tour. For a more comfortable experience, consider the trolley tour for an overview of Salem’s major sites.
The town’s Haunted Happenings Festival is one of the largest Halloween celebrations worldwide, with costume balls, psychic readings, ghost tours, and more. Yet, for some, the sheer volume of events may feel like an exploitation of a painful history, overshadowing the genuine suffering endured by the accused. Salem also offers a range of museums, such as the Witch Dungeon Museum, Salem Witch Museum, and the historic Witch House, each providing a deeper look into Salem’s complex past. If you’re a fan of the 1993 movie Hocus Pocus, several iconic filming spots await, alongside Salem’s unique shops, séances, and psychic readings.
Haunted Happenings Festival Website
3. Ireland, the Birthplace of Halloween
Did you know that Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween? That’s right—Halloween traces its origins back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sah-win). Celebrated on the night of October 31st, it marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time when the line between the living and the spirit world blurred. The Celts believed spirits and faeries roamed freely, sometimes leading the unwary to the underworld. To protect themselves, they lit towering bonfires and dressed in costumes to scare away any ghostly visitors. Fascinating, right?
If you’re planning to experience the magic of Halloween in Ireland, the Púca Festival (this year takes place on Oct 31-Nov3) should be at the top of your list! Inspired by Irish folklore, this festival takes place in the historic towns of Trim and Athboy in County Meath (47-60 minutes west of Dublin)—where it is rumored the very first Samhain bonfire was lit.
The festival focuses on the legendary Púca, a shapeshifting, mischievous creature said to bring either fortune or chaos to those who cross its path. To send these spirits back before the portal between worlds closes, locals put on the hair-raising Púca Procession: The Gathering of the Spirits. And, staying true to ancient customs, they ignite the Samhain Fire once more. There’s something for everyone —live music (both traditional and modern), circus performances, workshops for all ages, and a bustling market that’ll keep the whole family entertained.
Another must-see is Derry Halloween in Derry-Londonderry, a gathering that truly brings the spirit of Halloween to life! From the vibrant parade and stunning fireworks to the Awakening of the Walled City Trail—a magical walk through town featuring aerial performances, pyrotechnics, and live music. And for horror fans, Dublin’s Bram Stoker Festival is a dream come true. It’s a tribute to all things Gothic, Victorian, and supernatural, celebrating the chilling art and literature inspired by the legendary creator of Dracula.
Ireland is a great destination for Halloween lovers, with events happening all across the island. Whether you’re seeking ancient folklore, thrilling performances, or eerie atmospheres, Ireland’s got it all to make your Halloween a great time.
Ireland Tourism Board — Halloween
4. Transylvania, Romania
Steeped in mystery and Gothic allure, Transylvania is an extraordinary destination for those seeking a spine-tingling Halloween experience. Nestled in the heart of Romania, this legendary region is synonymous with dark folklore, most famously the tale of Dracula. With its looming castles, fog-draped forests, and centuries-old villages, Transylvania feels like it was plucked straight out of a classic horror novel.
Besides, Autumn is one of the best times to visit Transylvania simply for the beautiful colors of the leaves on the trees against the lush forests with sprawling gothic castles standing out amongst nature. You also get less tourists during this time with cooler, but still comfortable temperatures.
Bran Castle, famously known as the Dracula’s Castle, might be worth checking out for anyone exploring in the area. Each Halloween, it transforms into the ultimate haunted venue, hosting a massive party with sinister decorations, dimly lit corridors, and a ghostly ambiance that brings the legend to life. Just keep in mind—this iconic castle is incredibly popular and has limited accessibility, so plan ahead!
If wild parties aren’t your style, why not have dinner at Dracula’s childhood home in Sighisoara? Casa Vlad Dracul, believed to be the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler in 1431, offers a unique dining experience steeped in history. Decorated with eerie portraits of the infamous count, the restaurant serves up delicious traditional Romanian fare with a side of mystery. For a small fee, you can even step into Dracula’s old bedroom, adding an extra chill to your evening in this atmospheric, historic haunt.
No matter how you spend your time, Transylvania is brimming with castles to discover and paranormal tours that will fully immerse you in the Halloween spirit. From ancient fortresses to ethereal folklore, you’ll never know what you’ll find around any corner in Transylvania.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s ancient folklore and ghostly tales makes it a renowned destination for Halloween. From the mists that roll over its highlands to the shadowy castles with centuries-old secrets, this land of legend has long been home to stories of witches, spirits, and otherworldly creatures. Whether you’re exploring the haunted streets of Edinburgh or delving into the mysterious history of the Isle of Skye, Scotland promises thrills for anyone seeking a spooky holiday adventure.
The Real Mary King’s Close is an absolute must-visit during Halloween. This eerie underground street, part of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, holds tales as dark as the plague that once ravaged Scotland. Each Halloween, Mary King’s Close amps up the scare factor with two special tours: the True Crime Tour, which reveals chilling stories of crime and punishment from the area’s past, and the Lantern-Led Tour, where you’ll step into the lives—and untimely deaths—of Edinburgh’s long-gone residents. These tours bring centuries-old secrets to life in the shadowy heart of the city.
No trip to Scotland is complete without a whisky tasting! For a truly memorable experience, head to The Devil’s Advocate, a unique bar and restaurant tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town inside a historic Victorian pump house in Advocate’s Close. Here, you’ll find over 300 whiskies from around the world, each with its own story. For an equally impressive selection, visit The Black Cat on Rose Street, home to one of the largest whisky collections in town and the perfect spot to savor Scotland’s finest.
Whether you’re chasing haunted legends, exploring the underground passages, or simply raising a glass to Scotland’s history, these destinations bring Halloween to life in ways that are equal parts spectacular and fearsome. From ancient castles to mysterious alleys, these six locations offer a gateway to the other world—ideal for travelers who love the magic of October.
Scotland Tourism Board — Halloween
Scotland Tourism Board — Things to Do In Edinburgh
6. Hong Kong, China
When you think of Halloween destinations, Hong Kong may not be the first place that comes to mind, but this vibrant city has fully embraced the spooky season. With a unique blend of traditional Chinese ghost festivals and Western Halloween flair, Hong Kong offers fun events for all ages. From elaborate haunted houses at theme parks to lively street parades, this cosmopolitan city knows how to celebrate the eerie and the extraordinary, making it a top spot for Halloween adventurers.
Venture to Ocean Park for an unforgettable Halloween experience with six ever-changing haunted walkthroughs that get scarier each year! The park’s attractions are complemented by mesmerizing shows inspired by Chinese operas, music, and dance, adding a unique cultural twist to the thrill.
And for those looking to party Halloween Hong Kong-style, the nightlife districts of Lan Kwai Fong and Soho are legendary for their wild, over-the-top parties. Expect to see revelers in outrageous costumes filling the bars and alleyways, creating an electric, can’t-miss atmosphere that pulses through the city!
As the curtain falls on this thrilling tale of Halloween adventures in Hong Kong, it’s clear that this cosmopolitan city offers an unforgettable blend of unearthly traditions and vibrant festivities. Every corner of Hong Kong exudes a boisterous spirit that anyone can enjoy.
Ocean Park Halloween Experience
Final Musings
Each of these destinations opens a doorway to a world where history, heritage, and the supernatural blend in mesmerizing ways. Whether it’s Salem’s spirited streets or Hong Kong’s lively parties, each place offers travelers a unique chance to engage the magic of October in its truest form.
Until next time, keep the spirit of travel (and perhaps a friendly ghost or two) close to your heart. Happy Halloween from your travel companions at Willamette International Travel!
Ready for a chilling adventure? Contact our excellent travel experts at 503-224-0180 or email inquiry@wittravel.com.
