Every 31st of October, the streets fill with pumpkins, costumes, and children shouting “trick or treat!” as they go door to door. Halloween has become one of the most recognizable celebrations worldwide — yet few people know that its roots go back thousands of years.

Behind the fake cobwebs and plastic ghosts lies a story that combines Celtic rituals, Christian beliefs, and folk traditions that have traveled through centuries to become the Halloween we know today.

Where Does Halloween Really Come From?

The origins of Halloween date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival Samhain, celebrated at the end of the harvest season, mainly in Ireland and Scotland.
The Celts believed that on this night, the veil between the world of the living and the dead became thinner, allowing spirits to cross over and visit humans.

To protect themselves, communities lit large bonfires and wore animal skins and masks to confuse or scare away evil spirits.
These rituals are the direct ancestors of today’s costumes and glowing pumpkins — the famous Jack-o’-lanterns.

As Christianity spread across Europe, many pagan festivals were transformed into Christian celebrations.
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III established November 1st as All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day).
The evening before — October 31st — became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which over time evolved into Halloween.

How Did Halloween Become So Popular?

Although it was born in the British Isles, Halloween became truly popular in the United States during the 19th century, thanks to Irish and Scottish immigrants who brought their customs with them.
There, the festival quickly evolved — adding children’s games, candy exchanges, and home decorations.

By the mid-20th century, modern Halloween — complete with costumes, horror movies, and themed parties — had become a well-established tradition in the US and Canada.
From there, it spread to Europe and the rest of the world through movies, TV shows, and, more recently, social media.

Halloween in Spain: Between Tradition and Fun

In Spain, Halloween began gaining popularity in the 1990s, largely due to the influence of American culture.
While the Day of All Saints (1st November) has always been the traditional date to remember the deceased, younger generations have embraced Halloween as a more creative and playful celebration.

Today, many families combine both traditions — children dress up and collect sweets, while families still visit cemeteries to leave flowers for their loved ones.
In tourist regions like the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida, where many international residents live, Halloween is celebrated with great enthusiasm:

• Bilingual schools organize costume contests.
• Residential communities hold themed parties.
• Local bars and restaurants decorate their spaces and offer Halloween menus.

In towns like Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, or Pilar de la Horadada, Halloween has become a key date on the local calendar, with children’s activities, “haunted routes,” and nighttime events.

A Global Celebration — with Local Flavors

While the United States remains the country where Halloween is celebrated most intensely, the festival has spread around the globe, adapting to local cultures:

• In Mexico, it overlaps with the Día de los Muertos, a colorful celebration that honors life and memory.
• In Germany, bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits.
• In France, Halloween is more recent, but every year it gains popularity, especially among young people.
• In the UK and Ireland, ancient customs are still kept alive, such as leaving food for spirits or lighting candles in windows.

What Happens on Halloween Night?

The night of October 31st blends fun, mystery, and a touch of superstition.
The streets fill with children in costumes going door to door, while adults enjoy themed parties, horror movie marathons, and spooky decorations.

Beyond entertainment, Halloween still carries a symbolic meaning — it remains a time to remember those who have passed away and celebrate the cycle between life and death, just as the Celts once did.

Some people maintain traditional gestures like lighting candles in memory of loved ones or leaving a plate of food out as a sign of respect.

Halloween didn’t start as a night of fear, but as a celebration of transition, remembrance, and protection.
Over the centuries, it has adapted to different cultures and evolved into the imaginative, humorous, and exciting version we know today.

So, whether you prefer to dress up as a vampire or light a candle on November 1st, remember that behind every pumpkin lies an ancient story that connects the living with their ancestors.