# Which countries celebrate Halloween and how do they observe the holiday?

Paige Thornton · August 4, 2026

> Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, when it was...

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, when it was believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred.

The modern celebration of Halloween is most prominent in the United States, where it has gained massive commercial success, with spending exceeding $10 billion annually on costumes and decorations.

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In Mexico, Halloween overlaps with El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which honors deceased loved ones, featuring colorful altars, sugar skulls, and celebrations that often blend joyful remembrance with traditional Halloween customs.

Spain celebrates Halloween with a three-day event, beginning on October 31.

The first night is known as "El Día de las Brujas" (Day of the Witches), leading to "Día de Todos los Santos" (All Saints' Day) and concluding with "Día de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead).

In Ireland, where Halloween has deep historical roots, traditional festivities include children dressing in costumes and "guising," where they perform short sketches or songs in exchange for treats.

In Italy, Halloween is becoming increasingly popular, although traditional festivities around All Saints' Day on November 1 still hold more significance culturally, with families gathering to remember their deceased.

In Asia, Halloween is observed with varying enthusiasm.

In Japan, for instance, Halloween has been adopted primarily in urban centers, focusing on costume parades and themed events rather than the traditional Western customs.

The concept of trick-or-treating in the United States is thought to have begun in the 1920s and 1930s, evolving from older practices of "going a-souling," where poor people would offer prayers for food, originally seen in Europe.

In Canada, Halloween is widely celebrated much like in the US, with many communities hosting large events, although its history as a holiday can be traced back to Irish immigrants who settled there.

In the Philippines, Halloween is locally celebrated as "Todos los Santos," where families honor their deceased by cleaning and decorating graves, lighting candles, and preparing food offerings, resembling both Halloween and the traditions of Día de los Muertos.

In the United Kingdom, Halloween is celebrated, though it is generally considered a minor holiday compared to festivities like Guy Fawkes Night.

Traditional games like bobbing for apples still form a part of the celebration.

In Australia and New Zealand, Halloween has gained popularity over the years, with children participating in trick-or-treating, but cultural observance and enthusiasm can vary significantly by region.

Countries like Germany and Sweden are witnessing a growing interest in Halloween, driven by media and commercial interests, although traditional festivals such as Walpurgisnacht continue to hold historical and cultural importance.

China's adoption of Halloween is mostly urban-focused, with costume parties and night markets featuring Halloween themes, but traditional Chinese cultural practices surrounding ancestor veneration remain dominant.

Food plays an essential role in Halloween celebrations worldwide, differing greatly – from pumpkin pie in the US to bread of the dead in Mexico, highlighting regional agricultural practices and seasonal ingredients.

Some countries have unique customs tied to Halloween; for instance, in Lithuania, people often play pranks on each other, a reminder of how Halloween has roots in celebrating the mischievous nature of spirits.

The types of costumes favored around the world vary significantly based on local culture, with traditional figures appearing in some countries, while in others, popular media icons dominate the creative expressions seen during Halloween.

In many cultures, Halloween or similar festivals are used as a time for social bonding and community gatherings, promoting a mix of fun and remembrance that reflects both ancient rituals and modern practices.

Halloween-themed events have risen in cities across the globe, leading to an annual influx of haunted attractions, spooky tours, and escape room experiences, showcasing how cultural expressions have adapted over time.

Scientific studies indicate that participating in ritualistic activities such as Halloween can have psychological benefits, including stress relief and enhanced emotional connection within communities during the darker months of the year.

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