Halloween is one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide, especially in English-speaking countries. However, in recent years, the tradition has gained ground in Spain, and cities like Barcelona have enthusiastically embraced this festive occasion full of costumes and fun. But what is the true origin of Halloween?
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The Celtic origins: Samhain
The origin of Halloween dates back more than 2,000 years, to a Celtic festival known as Samhain. This ancient celebration marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, which for the Celts also symbolized the start of a new year. During Samhain, it was believed that the veil between the world of the living and the dead became thinner, allowing spirits to walk among us.
The Celts lit large bonfires to ward off evil spirits and left food offerings to appease the ghosts of loved ones. Interestingly, some historians believe that the use of costumes, a central tradition of Halloween, originated during this time as a way to trick the spirits.
Christianity and All Saints' Day
With the arrival of Christianity, Samhain transformed, and the Catholic Church established All Saints’ Day on November 1, a celebration to honor martyrs and saints. The eve of this day, known as All Hallows’ Eve or “All Saints’ Eve,” eventually contracted into Halloween.
Despite these religious changes, ancient pagan customs persisted and merged with new Christian traditions, giving rise to the holiday we know today.
Halloween’s arrival in America
Halloween arrived in the United States thanks to Irish and Scottish immigrants during the 19th century. On American soil, the celebration flourished, and many modern traditions, such as the famous “trick-or-treat,” took shape. In the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween became a community-centered holiday, and today it is one of the most important celebrations in the U.S.
An interesting fact is that the tradition of carving pumpkins, known as “Jack-o’-lanterns,” also has Irish roots. Originally, the Irish carved turnips and beets to create lanterns to scare away evil spirits. When they arrived in America, they found that pumpkins were much easier to carve, and thus one of Halloween’s most iconic images was born. Despite these religious changes, the ancient pagan customs persisted and fused with new Christian traditions, giving rise to the holiday we know today.
Halloween in Spain and Barcelona
In recent years, Halloween has grown in popularity in Spain, especially in large cities like Barcelona. Although some local traditions, such as the celebration of La Castanyada in Catalonia, remain strong, more and more people, especially the young, are joining in the Halloween fun. Costumes, themed parties, and spooky decorations take over bars, clubs, and streets on the night of October 31.
Halloween Curiosities
- Did you know that the typical Halloween colors, orange and black, also have historical significance? Orange symbolizes autumn and the harvest, while black represents death and darkness.
- The most expensive holiday after Christmas: In the United States, Halloween is the second-highest spending holiday after Christmas. Costumes, decorations, and candy amount to millions of dollars each year.
- Costumes of all kinds: Although the most classic costumes are witches, vampires, or ghosts, nowadays, costumes of movie characters, video games, and celebrities are just as popular.
- Horror movies and Halloween go hand in hand: October is the month of horror, and scary movie marathons have become a tradition for Halloween fans. From classics like “Dracula” or “Frankenstein” to modern films like John Carpenter’s “Halloween,” horror cinema is an essential part of this holiday.
