he best destinations to travel on Halloween

In recent years, Halloween has become increasingly popular around the world. Many countries have celebrations at the same time as Halloween to honor the dead, while others have adopted the costumes and candy that are more associated with the American version of the holiday. But where can you best spend Halloween, where are the best parties celebrated and what makes the 7 places we have selected so special? Find out in our article.

WHERE DOES HALLOWEEN COME FROM?

Halloween comes from the old English word for All Hallows' Eve. As All Saints' Day falls on November 1, Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31. Originally, the custom comes from a Celtic tradition in Ireland (see below for more) and, due to a large number of Irish immigrants, Halloween came to the United States of America.

Thanks to numerous horror films and several television series - for example, the "Halloween" film franchise and The Simpsons with its annual "Treehouse Of Horror" special - Halloween has become increasingly popular around the world in the last years. Especially well known is the pumpkin face, known as jack-o' lantern: a hollow pumpkin with a cut-out face and a light that illuminates it from within. And, of course, there is trick-or-treating, in which children and teenagers go door to door collecting candy while dressed in costume.

1. NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Of course, New York City has risen to the top of the rankings. Because? Because it has one of the largest Halloween parades in the world with more than 2 million participants in creative costumes focused on a different theme each year. For example, the 2019 theme is “Wild Thing!”

There are also many more parties in the "city that never sleeps" and visitors will certainly not get bored because there is so much to see and do. If you come to New York during Halloween with your children, you should also know that many businesses and even bars hand out candy. And if you happen to be there in the weeks leading up to Halloween, keep an eye out for the free Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, currently taking place at the East River Park Amphitheater.

2. OAXACA, MEXICO

The "Day of the Dead" is one of the most important Mexican holidays to commemorate the deceased. People usually celebrate it with skeleton costumes or, at least, with their faces painted. Colorful flowers, bright colors and skulls are part of the Day of the Dead and are worn everywhere.

The celebrations take place from October 31 to November 2. The city of Oaxaca is known throughout Mexico for its over-the-top parties, but you'll also find celebrations in other parts of the country. But keep in mind that you should never call them Halloween parties because they are not.

3. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

America's gaming capital is a great destination for Halloween. On the Las Vegas Strip, home to dazzling hotels and casinos such as the Mandalay Bay, the Luxor, the Excalibur, the New York-New York and the MGM Grand, you can find many people dressed in costumes on Halloween night.

You should also think about a good Halloween costume if you plan to spend it in Las Vegas. There are contests and in many hotels and casinos the best costume will be chosen in different categories, often with cash prizes. There will also be plenty of events (including the days before and after) for big ghosts and little creatures alike, making Las Vegas a perfect Halloween destination.

4. LONDON, ENGLAND

London, the city on the Thames, has a reputation as a spooky place perpetually covered in fog. Blame it on novels and films like "Jack the Ripper" and "28 Days Later," in which London is often portrayed as a dark, foggy place where spooky things happen and mysterious figures get up to their mischief. .

However, you can embrace the Halloween spirit by joining others in dressing up and running the London Halloween 5K and 10K at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. And then off to a party or just to the next pub, whichever you prefer.

5. SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

Just 16 miles from Boston is the small town of Salem, Massachusetts. The city became famous for the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. To this day, Salem is known as the City of Witches. The history of the witch trials remains a true tourist magnet and visitors can not only find a museum dedicated to witches, but also numerous events around Halloween, called "Salem Haunted Happenings", which last throughout the month of October. To get there, you can rent a car in Springfield and travel the 106 kilometers in less than 2 hours.

6. DUBLIN, IRELAND

Ireland is considered the birthplace of Halloween. The celebration dates back to Celtic customs and a pagan tradition in which the festival of Samhain, celebrating ancestors and the dead, was an integral part. It was believed that that day the beings of the underworld had access to the human world. Therefore, the Irish stayed in their homes, fearing that someone from outside could enter.

Dublin is a good starting point for Halloween celebrations. In Meath, an hour's drive from Dublin, there are numerous events at the Meath Spirits Festival. Also in Derry, County Kildare, many things are celebrated, such as the Halloween costume parade and fireworks. From Dublin to Derry it takes about 80 minutes by rental car (don't get confused and go to Londonderry in Northern Ireland!).

7. SLEEPY HOLLOW, NEW YORK

This town in Westchester County (New York) is located about 50 kilometers from Manhattan along the Hudson River. Sleepy Hollow is best known for the tale of the Headless Horseman by author Washington Irving. There are plenty of things to do in Sleepy Hollow on Halloween, including visiting the Horseman's Hollow attraction, which is open select nights in October. You can also take a spooky lantern-lit tour of the town and its cemetery.

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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

If you want to read other articles similar to he best destinations to travel on Halloween. You can visit the category October.