Halloween Traditions Around the World

Whether you dress up and ask strangers for candy, are the one passing it out, or even just watch a scary movie around Halloween time, you take part in a very traditional American Halloween. We’re not the only ones to celebrate Halloween, though; the holiday is prevalent throughout the world.

Countries that celebrate Halloween much the same as the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom are the most prominent. Ireland is one of the original countries to celebrate an early form of Halloween, where children spent the night “guising,” collecting food like fruit, nuts, and chocolate from neighbors.

These Celtic countries (Ireland, as well as Scotland & Wales) celebrated Samhain, a harvest festival that merged with All Saints’ Day to form an early version of the holiday we know as Halloween, which has risen to become one of the biggest commercial holidays in North America.

Aside from North America and the Celtic countries, Italians join in on the fun. During the first of November, they celebrate Ognissanti, a form of All Saints’ Day where gifts may be given to children, dead ancestors are honored, and pumpkins may be lit.

Guatemala also celebrates in early November; their Barriletes Gigantes (Giant Kites) festival honors the dead with hand-painted kites released above the graves of their loved ones who have passed away. These celebrations are similar to Mexico’s, where children trick-or-treat on Halloween, and then celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) a day or two later. Japan is another country with its own celebrations. While Japan has just recently been celebrating it, they fully embrace costume-wearing and partying.

While Halloween is celebrated differently in various countries, many observe unique traditions that pay homage to family and the deceased, all while enjoying plenty of treats.

Sources:

LUKE FANN

Editor-in-Chief at The City Voice | fann-l@students.grps.org

Editor-in-Chief Luke Fann is a junior at City and freelances for Rapid Growth Media's Voices of Youth program. He also attends Michigan State University's MIPA Summer Journalism Workshop, receiving the Sparty Award in Journalistic Storytelling and the Art of Storytelling. Additionally, he recieved an Award of Excellence in the Level Up: Leadership for Media program in 2025 and earned an honorable mention for his piece on AI and LLMs at the 2024 MIPA Spring Awards.

Luke began writing in 7th grade and became an editor by the following year. By his sophomore year, he was Managing Editor and then Editor-in-Chief. As for writing, he focuses on business and technology news, taking a deeper dive into topics rather than focusing solely on breaking news. He also covers personal interests, and his weekly editorials offer unique takes on timely issues.

If you're interested in writing for The City Voice, especially as a middle schooler or Underclassman, reach out to Luke or attend a meeting. Journalism is a great way to express your passions. No matter your background, The City Voice wants to hear your voice.