Halloween

Halloween History

Halloween is a global event celebrated on October 31st, with roots in ancient pagan and Christian traditions. Originally known as All Hallows' Eve, the observance typically involves activities such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, carving pumpkins, and visiting haunted attractions. Over time, Halloween has become a significant event in many countries, including Canada, with the primary emphasis on fantasy, fright, and fun.

Halloween dates back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The festival evolved through various European traditions and arrived in North America with Irish immigrants in the 19th century. For Canadians, Halloween has come to represent a time for social gatherings and community engagement, with local schools, businesses, and organizations participating in and hosting various events for all ages. Additionally, the observance has contributed to Canada's arts and entertainment industry by producing and consuming Halloween-themed movies, music, and literature.

In Canada, Halloween festivities include dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, and decorating homes with spooky ornaments and props. Trick-or-treating in Canada often resembles that in the United States, with children visiting neighboring houses to receive candy and other treats. Communities nationwide also host parades, pumpkin festivals, and haunted house attractions, allowing Canadians to enjoy local customs and celebrations. Like other countries, Halloween in Canada always occurs on October 31st, regardless of the day of the week.

Halloween facts

• According to Google Trends’ , the top Halloween costumes of 2023 include Barbie, Spiderman, and Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family.
• In early Celtic celebrations, turnips or other root vegetables were used in place of pumpkins. A burning lump of coal was placed inside the hollowed out vegetable and carried during the festivities.
• Specific Halloween customs can be traced back to druidic practices from the 4th century B.C., as well as the Christian holiday, All Hallows' Eve, which is the night before All Saints' Day.
• Bonfires are another common tradition during Halloween in some parts of Canada, believed to be a way to ward off evil spirits.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Halloween

Top things to do in Canada for Halloween

• Dress up in your favorite costume.
• Go trick-or-treating.
• Gathering around a fireplace or dimly lit room to share ghost stories or enjoy scary tales is a classic Halloween activity.
• Families and friends often organize costume contests at home, where participants can showcase their creativity and dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Prizes are awarded based on various categories such as scariest, funniest, most creative, or best group costume.