Samhain Festival (Ireland and Scotland)
Ireland is believed to be the birthplace of modern Halloween. Today, Ireland and Scotland celebrate with bonfires, games and traditional foods such as barmbrack, a fruitcake that is a signature dish of the holiday. People put coins, buttons and rings into the cake, wishing for good fortune or love in the coming year.
Halloween Festival (USA)
Halloween has been popular in the United States since the 19th century. The festival originated from a group of Scottish and Irish immigrants to the United States. Halloween in the United States is officially celebrated on October 31 every year. On this day, people often dress up as ghosts and decorate their houses in a scary, creepy style. Children will go to their neighbors' houses to ask for candy, if the homeowner does not give them, they will make a fuss and tease loudly in front of the house.
Dia de los Muertos Festival (Mexico)
From November 1-2, Mexico and many other places in Latin America celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). According to belief, the gates of heaven open at midnight on October 31, and the souls of children will return to reunite with their families for 24 hours. On November 2, the souls of adults descend from heaven to participate in the festival. The altars in each home are decorated with fruits, peanuts, turkey, soda... and the typical "Pan de muerto" bread. In addition, families prepare candy, toys, cigarettes or alcohol to commemorate the deceased.
Obon Festival (Japan)
Obon or Bon (Day of the Dead) is a traditional custom of Japanese Buddhists. Japanese people celebrate this festival in August to commemorate their deceased relatives. On this day, people take to the streets to perform traditional dance rituals, perform Toro Nagashi (paper boat release)... The boats are folded from paper and released into the rivers as a symbol to send the souls of the deceased back to their world.
Halloween Kawasaki (Japan)
This costume festival also takes place in Japan. Unlike Obon, Kawasaki Halloween has many similarities with Halloween in the United States. On the last day of October, people dress up in spooky costumes and parade through the streets of Kawasaki, a suburb of Tokyo.
Hungry Ghost Festival (Hong Kong)
Every year on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, Hong Kong people celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival. People believe that the souls will rise and wander around during this time. Many families practice the custom of burning votive paper and offering food to the deceased in the afterlife.
People often participate in organizing street processions, worshiping gods and dancing, entertaining the deceased.
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