HALLOWEEN 2017

Halloween dates

Halloween is scheduled on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Thursday, October 31, 2019
The date is fixed, every year it is October 31st.

The legacy of a Celtic holiday

The festival of Samhain, Samain or Samonios, is a pagan and Celtic celebration commemorating the end of the harvest, the end of the summer and the beginning of the short season (called the dark season in opposition to the clear season). It has existed for about 2500 years and was celebrated on October 31, which was the last day of the Celtic calendar year2. During this celebration, the Druids prayed to the Gods to thank them for the harvest of the past year and to ensure their protection during the winter3.

The party lasted 7 days, 3 days before Samhain and 3 days later, and was mandatory. Its purpose was to welcome the new year, but also the deceased, who were allowed to visit the living that day of the year. The missing were honored by a large meal and had their place at the table.

Druids lit sacred fires to bring back the sun and chase evil spirits. Every inhabitant took home a share of this sacred fire to light a new home in his house. The pumpkin used today as lantern could recall the receptacles used to bring fire home5, and which were perhaps the origin of turnips.

Halloween celebration

That day, the children wear terrifying disguises and ring at every door to ask for treats. Moms are involved in the preparation of our Witches, Dracula and Bat of a night. A pumpkin is hollowed out to represent a face. A candle is placed in its center to complete the emblem of this day.

Halloween in the world

In Ireland, Samhain's festival remains popular throughout the country. The city most permeated with the festivities remains Londonderry which sees each year take place a magnificent parade.
In Hawaii, during the Halloween party, the Polynesian Cultural Center organizes a trip to the lagoon after dark. On boats, we discover the mysteries of a haunted house.
In Transylvania, the country of Dracula offers costume balls, visits and witch hunts in the Carpathian castles. Many activities are also organized in the city of Sighisoara.
In the United States, in the city of New York is organized the "world famous pumpkin race" that allows anyone who wishes to turn a pumpkin into a small racing car with wheels. The latter will descend the slope to the sea to finally be tasted.
In New Orleans, the whole month of October is at the party with parades and decorations on the walls of houses. The Voodoo Music Experiment ends with concerts all over the city that bring together many international artists.