It is observed on October 31 each year.

How do people celebrate Halloween?

Share the story of Halloween on social and tag it with #halloween so others can join in.

Halloween — Obscure Holiday Calendar

Overview

Halloween, observed annually on October 31st, is a holiday with ancient Celtic origins in the festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and harvest and the beginning of the 'darker half' of the year, when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to thin. Modern celebrations primarily involve dressing in costumes, trick-or-treating, carving jack-o'-lanterns, attending costume parties, and telling spooky stories, blending themes of death and the supernatural with harvest season traditions.

Observed each year on October 31, Halloween invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Origin and story

The tradition of wearing costumes originated from ancient Celtic practices, where people wore disguises to ward off or blend in with spirits during Samhain.

Jack-o'-lanterns were originally carved from turnips, potatoes, or beets in Ireland and Scotland, not pumpkins.

Quick facts

DateOctober 31
TypeCultural / community observance
Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

Share the story of Halloween on social and tag it with #halloween so others can join in.
Post a story with #halloween and invite others to try a tiny activity.
Halloween lands on October 31 — host a quick nod with Friends, Families and snap a photo.
Plan something small on October 31: a quick nod to Halloween with friends, family, or coworkers.
Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.

Fun facts

The tradition of wearing costumes originated from ancient Celtic practices, where people wore disguises to ward off or blend in with spirits during Samhain.
Jack-o'-lanterns were originally carved from turnips, potatoes, or beets in Ireland and Scotland, not pumpkins.
"Samhainophobia" is the official term for the fear of Halloween.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

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FAQ

When is Halloween?: It is observed on October 31 each year.
What is Halloween?: Halloween, observed annually on October 31st, is a holiday with ancient Celtic origins in the festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and harvest and the beginning of the 'darker half' of the year, when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to thin. Modern celebrations primarily involve dressing in costumes, trick-or-treating, carving jack-o'-lanterns, attending costume parties, and telling spooky stories, blending themes of death and the supernatural with harvest season traditions.
How do people celebrate Halloween?: Share the story of Halloween on social and tag it with #halloween so others can join in.

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