The pumpkins are ripe, and so is the time: Halloween is upon us, and it no longer just involves children but everyone, of all ages. While the tradition of children in costumes searching for tricks or treats at neighbours’ houses still persists in the United States, “parties” for young people and adults are also becoming more popular, usually in downtown bars or abandoned houses. Or even in symbolic places of witches and goblins.
How Halloween Was Born
Let’s remember that Halloween (a Celtic word meaning “All Saints’ Eve”) originated in the British Isles during the Middle Ages and was a celebration of anticipation, the eve of the Catholic feast of All Saints and the Dead. Pumpkins lit by candles represented a sacred signal to show the deceased the way home so they could come and pray with their loved ones. The holiday, widespread in Ireland and Scotland, was later brought to the United States by the first settlers. There it took on a more commercial aspect and increasingly associated with terror and the macabre. During the 1990s, Halloween returned to Europe thanks to the popularity of television, becoming a holiday here as well. But what are the ideal places where to celebrate Halloween, both in the New World and the Old World?
Massachusetts: from Salem to Stockbridge
In the eastern states of the United States, direct heirs of the first colonies, the Halloween tradition is stronger. This is also because these first colonies experienced real witch trials in the 17th century, and legends of terror, in this regard, are often intertwined with true history.
In the town of Salem, between 1694 and 1695, at least 200 people (men and women) were accused of witchcraft, many of whom were unjustly sentenced to death. During Halloween, the witch trials are reenacted here, and the public can serve on the “jury.” Ghost Trail Tours are also organized downtown. About a two-hour drive from Salem, toward the western part of the state, lies Stockbridge, a town famous for its Pumpkin Festival; at the Naumkeag Pumpkin Show, the famous orange pumpkins are carved and illuminated in truly original and unique ways.
To reach both these locations, the nearest airport is Boston Logan.
Vodoo Night in New Orleans
Beating heart of European-style carnivals, New Orleans never forgets its being American too, and on Halloween night, it offers some of the craziest and most fascinating events in the country. Visit New Orleans to admire the abandoned houses transformed into macabre by the famous “horror tours” or to learn the art of voodoo—an ancient witchcraft practice originating from the local Creole culture. New Orleans Airport (MSY) will be your landing point if you’ve chosen the magical French-speaking city of the South as your Halloween destination.
Morro Bay: the witches paddling
California always loves to stand out! And even on Halloween, it knows how to amaze visitors. In the town of Morro Bay, the celebration takes place at sea, of course – thanks also to the Californian climate that remains pleasant until Christmas! In addition to the parties organized in the bars along the beach, the event not to be missed is the “Witches Paddling.” Dressed in shabby clothes, pointed hats, and hideous makeup and wigs, participants compete to cross the bay from one point to the other, paddling non-stop on surfboards! If you’re curious, Morro Bay is easily accessible from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, in fact, it’s located exactly halfway between the two. The closest airport, however, is Santa Barbara (SBA).
Derry in Northern Ireland
Lovers of tradition and history will definitely want to consider spending Halloween where it originated: Ireland. Specifically, in Londonderry (or Derry), Northern Ireland (the city has its own small airport, but the main international airport is Belfast – BFS).
The city of Derry is home to the very first celebration of the Celtic festival of Samhain. This pagan “aura” is still alive in the city’s streets and this makes it the European capital of Halloween Night! Celebrations here start on October 1st and go on up to the end of the month: harvest markets, artists exhibitions, performance of actors and musicians, “witchery workshops” and a lot more! When in Derry, you shall feel the thrill of every single Halloween spirit on your skin!
Transylvania’s Vampire Halloween
Halloween was not a tradition of Romanian culture but it soon became a “must”. The region and cities that host the bloody stories of Count Dracula are the perfect set for a fully European Halloween Night.
You can alternate historic trips to the many castles and churches, during the day, and scary events at night. Of course, the celebration here is vampire-themed! Events and activities are organized at Dracula’s home, you can eat scary food at the local restaurants and enjoy music and adventures in the dark at Bran Castle.
Land at Transylvania Târgu Mureş Airport (TGM) so to get to your favourite destination easily, by hiring a private transfer with chauffeur.
Halloween in Italy? Welcome to Corinaldo
Italy, the very catholic nation “of the Pope”, and Halloween? Isn’t this a blasphemy? No, it seems! Halloween has become more and more popular in Italy, these days, but you cannot even imagine which is the “capital of the feast”, here. You shall go to region Marche, not far from Ancona (Ancona Falconara Airport – AOI) and look for the small mountain village of Corinaldo.
Due to its particular medieval structure, to the many ancient buildings or to the special abandoned places it hosts, Corinaldo is today Italy’s “Halloween City”. Here you can challenge ghosts and devils at the Fear Tunnel attraction, enjoy the beauty contest of Miss Witch and have fun with your friends through the village’s alleys, during the Notte delle Streghe (the Night of the Witches) event. It all ends in colors and music, with fireworks and good food, in the main square at midnight.
