Every year, children and adults throughout the United States commemorate Halloween with costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and a plethora of miniature candy bars. However, the U.S isn’t the only country that observes its share of spooky customs. If you plan to spend Halloween in Europe, you may find Halloween traditions new and old! Get into the Halloween spirit with AESU and discover how five European countries celebrate the holiday!
Scotland
Scotland is full of ancient traditions and eerie superstitions, and there are plenty of ways for children, adults, and families to enjoy the holiday. Attend the Samhuinn Fire Festival, featuring colorful costumes from ancient folklore. Partake in the Creepy Crawl and visit fourteen of Scotland’s most haunted places like the Brodie Castle! Wander the streets of historic St. Andrews and learn more about the country’s dark past on a ghost tour!
England
While England is typically associated with Guy Fawkes Day during the Halloween season, the locals also celebrate All Hallow’s Eve on October 31st! Drink your fill and explore London’s bar scene on a Halloween pub crawl. Tour the London Dungeon with a group of fearless friends or get your blood pumping on a Halloween fun run through the city!
Romania
Transylvania, a historical region in central Romania, is known for its mysterious allure. The region is home to an abundance of scary folklore like Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired Dracula. Explore the Bran Castle, the home of Count Dracula. Eat at the vampire-inspired restaurants like Restaurant Casa Vlad Dracula. Visit the tomb of Vlad the Impaler at Snagov Monastery!
France
Halloween is not a typical French holiday, but it’s now more prevalent than ever! Disneyland Paris comes alive for the holiday, perfect for families or adults alike. This year, the Halloween celebrations at Disneyland Paris start on September 28th and run until November 3rd.
Italy
Traditionally, Italy celebrated All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November first and second. Also known as La Festa di Ognissanti, the holiday commemorates all of the saints on the Catholic calendar. In recent years, the Italian youths have also started celebrating Halloween on October 31st! Many children, teenagers, and adults celebrate with costumes, trick-or-treating, and block parties!
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