Weird Halloween Traditions Around The World

Halloween, one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, is celebrated globally every year on October 31st. It is that time of the year when people dress up in different costumes, carve pumpkins, and indulge in spooky activities. However, some countries around the world have weird and bizarre Halloween traditions that you may not have heard of.

In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most unusual Halloween traditions around the world that you never knew existed.

1. Día de los Muertos – Mexico

In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is celebrated from October 31 to November 2 every year. During this festival, Mexicans set up altars in honor of their departed loved ones and prepare food and drink for their spirits. The celebration includes skull face painting, parades, and feasting on traditional foods such as sugar skulls, pan de muerto (bread of the dead), and tamales.

2. Broom Jumping – Ireland

In Ireland, Halloween is known as Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. One of the traditional activities on this day is broom jumping, where unmarried women would jump over brooms to attract a partner. It was believed that by doing this, they would get rid of bad luck and evil spirits.

3. Old Lad’s Night – Scotland

In Scotland, Halloween is celebrated as “Hop-tu-Naa,” and people have their own version of trick or treating called “guising.” However, on the Isle of Man, the tradition is called “Old Lad’s Night,” where young people dress up in scary costumes and visit their neighbor’s homes to perform pranks and sing songs in exchange for fruit, sweets, and money.

4. The Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze – United States

In the United States, Halloween is celebrated in a big way, and one of the most popular traditions is the carving of pumpkins. However, in the Hudson Valley in New York, there is an annual event called the Great Jack-O’-Lantern Blaze. Thousands of pumpkins are carved and displayed in amazing formations, creating an incredible display of art and light.

5. Cocoliztli Epidemic – Central America

Halloween is celebrated in different ways in Central America, and in some places, people believe that the dead return to the earth and can make people sick. Some communities believe that a disease called “cocoliztli” is spread through spirits or ghosts. On Halloween, people celebrate by parading around in costumes, doing a symbolic dance, and burning offerings to the dead.

These are just a few examples of the weird traditions around the world that are associated with Halloween. While these practices may seem odd or unusual, they are an integral part of a culture’s history and should always be respected. Whether you participate in traditional Halloween activities or explore new customs, remember to have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!