October 31, 2025 | 07:22 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Originally a Celtic festival of Samhain, Halloween has long grown into a beloved global holiday. When it comes to embracing the spooky spirit, it is hard to disagree that the US popularized many of the traditions we’re familiar with today, especially trick-or-treating. With children in costumes knocking on doors and collecting candy, this classic ritual brings creativity and festive joy to Halloween.
Yet, twists on this holiday extend far beyond trick-or-treating, as seen in so many countries that celebrate Halloween. Take the Isle of Man, where the spooky season is marked with Hop-tu-Naa, the Manx equivalent of All Hallows’ Eve. Instead of carving pumpkins, locals carve turnips into lanterns. As the BBC highlights, children here often go around singing folk songs like Hop-tu-Naa and songs about Jinny the Witch as the evening is upon them.
Mexico is deemed one of the countries that celebrate Halloween in a meaningful way through the UNESCO-recognized Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. Though the celebration honors loved ones who have passed rather than Halloween itself, the festive spirit overlaps, with costumes, colorful decorations, parades, and themes centered around death.
Similarly, Guatemala observes Día de los Muertos with a breathtaking twist: the Barriletes Gigantes, or Giant Kites Festival. For the first couple of days of November, massive hand-painted kites soar above cemeteries, symbolically flying as a bridge that connects the living and the dead.
Even more festive is Peru, where Halloween coincides with multiple cultural events, including El Día de la Canción Criolla, Día de los Difuntos, and All Saints’ Day. From October 31 to November 2, Peruvians celebrate with music, dancing, food, and tributes to lost loved ones.
The other three countries that celebrate Halloween also bring unique traditions to the season. Ecuador honors El Día de los Difuntos, or Day of the Deceased, on November 2 by visiting cemeteries with food and flowers. Just a day earlier, El Salvador celebrates La Calabiuza on November 1, featuring parades where participants dress as mythical figures and skeletons.
And, of course, Ireland, the Halloween originator, honors the holiday with a blend of ancient Celtic traditions and modern festivities. Today’s celebration is highlighted by bonfires, eerie costumes, and lively parties.
Here are the 10 countries that celebrate Halloween, according to the World Population Review.
List of Countries That Celebrate Halloween
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Isle of Man
- Mexico
- Colombia
- Peru
- Guatemala
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Ireland
Editor's Choice: Top 10 Horror Games You Can't Miss This Halloween 2025
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Classified US Report Alleges Israel Committed Hundreds of Human Rights Violations in Gaza
14 menit lalu
The US has, for the first time, acknowledged that the Israeli military may have committed human rights violations "many hundreds" of times in Gaza.
US to Cut Refugee Admissions to 7,500 from 125,000
3 jam lalu
The US will cut the number of refugees allowed into the country to 7,500 next year, the White House says.
Top 10 Horror Games You Can't Miss This Halloween 2025
6 jam lalu
Ready to scream? These 10 survival horror video games - from indie chills to AAA frights - will haunt your Halloween 2025 like never before.
10 Best Halloween Films to Watch for a Terrifying Movie Night
23 jam lalu
The spooky season's peak is here, and that means, the best Halloween films like 'The Shining' and 'Get Out' are poised to haunt screens once again.
10 Countries with the Most Debt in 2025: US, China, and More
1 hari lalu
The US, China, and Japan top the list of countries with the most debt, and are projected to hold around 60% of global government debt in 2025.
Billboard Hot 100: Top 25 Halloween Songs of All Time
1 hari lalu
Billboard's list of top Halloween Songs of all time celebrates decades of spooky anthems, blending pop, rock, and hip-hop from "Thriller" to "Vampire.
Canada Crowned the Most Loved Country in the World 2025: Here's Why
2 hari lalu
Canada is crowned the most loved country in the world, earning its reputation for its scenic landscapes, friendly communities, and rich culture.
Exploring the Most Haunted Places in the World for a Bone-Chilling Halloween
2 hari lalu
Approaching Halloween, travelers are not just looking for the typical haunted houses but are seeking a more terrifying horror experience.
List of ASEAN Member Countries, from Founders to Newest Addition
2 hari lalu
With East Timor officially joining the other 10 ASEAN countries, the region further demonstrates its growing political ties and cooperation.
Canada Seeks Partners in ASEAN as Trump Threatens More Tariffs
4 hari lalu
The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the ASEAN Summit on the significance of having "reliable partners who honor their commitments."
