As October 31st approaches, people embrace ghosts, goblins, costume parties, candy overload, and everything in between. Halloween has become a celebration of spook, a day when kids and adults alike fuel themselves with sugar galore, and a time for innovative disguises and festivities. Ever wondered how Halloween is celebrated around the world? Here's what Halloween looks like in 7 destinations:

Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong wasn’t historically a huge hub for Halloween, this metropolis has become a popular spot for revelers and spooky decorations in recent years. Hong Kong Disneyland has a slew of annual events and performances, and restaurants, businesses, and locals often get into the spirit with elaborate costumes and parties.

Mexico

Throughout Mexico, people celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, several days dedicated to remembering and celebrating ancestors. Although there are costumes, festivities, and treats aplenty like Halloween, Dia de los Muertos is not all about the sweets, and is above all an homage to those who have passed away. 

Japan

Like in Hong Kong, Halloween in Japan is a relatively new concept, boosted in large part because of Tokyo Disneyland’s big celebrations. But it’s no longer just an event for expats or visitors⁠—walk the streets of Tokyo, and you’ll find raucous street parties and locals dressed in cosplay.

Austria

This Central European country celebrates Seleenwoche, or All Souls’ Week, an entire week-long celebration from October 30th to November 8th during which locals honor past relatives and Catholic saints. One of the unique markers of this holiday is that people leave out bread, water, and lamps to welcome their deceased loved ones. 

Ireland

The ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain marked the harvest and transition into winter, and intertwined many supernatural beliefs⁠—namely, that this was the best time frame for humans to interact with spirits. It’s believed that Samhain evolved into Halloween, and now Derry, in Northern Ireland, hosts an incredibly popular festival and carnival. Ireland is also known for Barmbrack, a fruit bread soaked in tea, served during Halloween, which typically contains a ring. The one lucky enough to get the golden slice is said to be married within the next year! 

Germany

October 31st is actually a public holiday across much of Germany⁠, called Reformation Day, which celebrates and remembers the European Reformation and Martin Luther, an integral figure in Protestantism. But Halloween has also become popularized and commercialized in recent years throughout the country. Less common is the tradition of trick-or-treating, which is seen only occasionally in big cities, where kids go door to door exclaiming "Süßes oder Saures!" or “Sweet or Sour!” the German equivalent of Trick or Treat.

USA

And of course, Halloween has become an important holiday for many Americans. Kids don costumes to emulate their favorite characters, superheroes, and villains, and decorations of carved pumpkins, skeletons, and ghosts become ubiquitous starting in September. Whether you love a good scream-inducing horror film, want to let your creative juices flow at a costume party, or just enjoy the many treats and candy corn, Halloween in the United States has become a key celebration for all ages.