The Best Destinations To Celebrate Halloween
Like every year, on the night of October 31 to November 1, young and old dress up in their most beautiful monster costumes and set off to conquer the cities. Some countries know how to celebrate Halloween better than others… Discover the best destinations to celebrate Halloween.
The best destinations to celebrate Halloween
From an almost unknown celebration 15 years ago, the American tradition of Halloween is becoming more and more popular nowadays. After all, before being adopted across the Atlantic, it was originally a Gaelic festival that is still celebrated today in Scotland and Ireland. In Europe or in the United States, we offer you today our the top of the best places to celebrate Halloween.
–Mexico City, Mexico
For Mexicans, death has another meaning… Traditionally, Mexicans do not celebrate Halloween, but the Day of the Dead, from October 30 to November 2. This celebration is much more joyful than its name suggests… Families visit the graves of their deceased loved ones and offer them offerings. This moment is sacred to Mexicans who experience a true union with their deceased loved ones. The city’s streets and cemeteries are animated by music, flowers, garlands and colorful paintings. It is a must-see celebration during a trip to Mexico.
–New Orleans, United States
They know how to party in New Orleans, whether it’s during Carnival or all year long. It’s no surprise that the capital of Louisiana tops the list of the best places to celebrate Halloween.
New Orleans is not only a city of festivals, it is also a mystical city. Voodoo traditions date back centuries and the city is considered one of the most haunted in the United States.
Every Halloween, New Orleans transforms itself to terrorize tourists. The streets are filled with locals and visitors in costume, and there is a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Many establishments organize special events for Halloween. Visiting New Orleans during Halloween as part of a vacation in the United States is guaranteed to give you a thrill!
–London, United Kingdom
London… The foggy city, with its sometimes turbulent history, terrifying dungeons, unsettling back streets and the legend of the world’s most famous serial killer, Jack the Ripper, is the perfect candidate for Halloween. Given the size of the British capital, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween while visiting London. Haunted house tours, visits to London cemeteries, the London Dungeon and the Tower of London, ghost bus rides and themed nights at the capital’s top clubs are just some of the options available.
–New York, USA
The Halloween parade in New York is one of the most spectacular in the world. All day and night, the Big Apple turns orange. For decades, curious onlookers have flocked to Sixth Street to watch the spectacular parades and shows. Costumed spectators can also join the procession. In addition to the parade, bars, restaurants and major tourist attractions are also present. Imaginative and spooky decorations are installed not only on the streets and in shop windows, but also in libraries and major monuments like the Empire State Building. It’s the perfect time to go on a trip to New York!
–Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech capital is one of the most Gothic cities in Europe. An ideal setting to proudly celebrate the Day of the Dead. The medieval atmosphere, the narrow cobbled streets and the style of the buildings seem perfectly suited to this period. During a stay in the Czech Republic during the Halloween period, it is possible to visit the Seedek ossuary, the old cemetery or even the Torture Museum.
–Dublin, Ireland
In Dublin, you will be at the source of Halloween! Indeed, this celebration was imported to the United States by Irish and Scottish immigrants who settled in the New World. It is originally a Gaelic religious festival called Samhain. It is celebrated in all the cities of Ireland.
–Montreal, Canada
In Canada, Halloween is also a very popular celebration. From the atmosphere to the decorations, everything is designed to suit the event! As elsewhere, costumes are a must.
You will be able to see during a stay in Montreal that ghostly artists burn matches and light lanterns at night, haunting the city with their presence. An extremely terrifying ghost hunt then begins! And maybe you will meet Mary Gallagher… The terrifying woman without s head that, according to legend, has been looking for her for years. If you find her head, try to give it back to her. Maybe she’ll like you… Or maybe not!
–Transylvania, Romania
Of course, everyone knows Dracula. It is his legend that made this beautiful hilly region of Romania, which includes the Carpathians, popular. Transylvania has this special atmosphere that makes it the ideal destination for a long foggy Halloween weekend. Not to be missed: the Halloween party at Hunedoara Castle and of course a scary visit to Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle… Don’t forget your garlic clove!
–Venice, Italy
So yes, Venice is THE romantic destination par excellence, so why not spice up your romantic city trip a little by planning it for Halloween. The shops are superbly decorated for the occasion and the locals organize many special Halloween parties throughout the city. An idea for a visit in the theme? The special “Secret Itineraries” tour of the Doge’s Palace. You will have the opportunity to discover the torture chambers of the prisoners…
–Edinburgh, Scotland
With your friends or family, Edinburgh is the trendy place to celebrate Halloween. With its medieval city air and the multitude of ancient traditions still firmly anchored in the customs, Edinburgh is the ideal city for a successful October 31st evening. In the Old Town, don’t miss the Samhuinn Fire Festival, which marks the Celtic New Year and the arrival of winter. Admire the artistic performances of hundreds of volunteers!
–Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, so any occasion is a good one to visit. Although not very popular a decade ago, Halloween is now a celebration for more and more people: theme parties, festivals and events in the center. Dracula awaits you in the labyrinth of the Buda Castle Palace (the legendary Vlad Tepes was laid to rest here in the 15th century!). Don’t miss the pumpkin lantern festival in Heroes’ Square: the proceeds from the food sales are donated to charity.
–Salem, Massachusetts, USA
Located north of Boston, Salem was the scene of witch trials in the 17th century. The city now organizes many Halloween festivities.
In the United States, Salem is famous for witchcraft trials that were held at the end of the 17th century, which resulted in the execution of 20 people. This episode left a strong mark on the country’s history: it was the young nation’s bloodiest witch hunt. Throughout the month of October, Salem uses this unsavoury episode in its history to set a particularly gloomy Halloween scene. Reenactments of the trials and executions by hanging take place, and you can visit infamous places.
–Limoges, France
You don’t feel like traveling to the ends of the earth to celebrate Halloween? Don’t worry, there are many places in Europe that allow you to celebrate this event in style. Even in France, for that matter. In France, Limoges is probably the best city to celebrate Halloween. Indeed, the prefecture of Haute-Vienne was one of the first to adopt this American holiday. Since 1996, Limoges has organized many events and festivities, including a large parade. The stores play the game, as do cultural and entertainment venues.
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