5 Awesome Halloween Traditions From Around The World

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- It's Halloween season! There's a special, static energy in the air this time of year that gets us all in the fall spirit. Pumpkin flavored lattes, plaid scarves, spooky movies, trick or treating, we all have our favorite way to celebrate the season. While most cultures don't celebrate Halloween in the fashion we do in America, there are so some pretty awesome fall traditions that take place around the world and we here at Graff Mt. Pleasant have compiled a list of our favorites. Happy Halloween!

1. DIA DE LOS MUERTES - MEXICO

A Mexican festival dedicated to honoring the dead and celebrating life, Dia de los Muertos is observed on the 1st and 2nd of November each year. It is believed that the night of October 31st, the gates of heaven open, allowing the souls of the deceased to return to their families for one day. This momentous event is celebrated with a parade, in-home altars decorated with food and trinkets for the visiting ancestors, the planting of marigolds, grave decoration, graveside vigils and of course the consumption of traditional treats! The inspiration for the work of numerous artists and musicians, this holiday of skulls and color is a testament to Mexican culture's grand aesthetics and respect for the deceased.

2. KAWASAKI HALLOWEEN PARADE - JAPAN 

One of Tokyo's largest yearly events, the Kawasaki parade has been observed for the last 21 years and draws nearly 4,000 costume enthusiasts each year. Anyone can register to join in the parade, although fees and guidelines are strictly enforced. The festivities continue for two whole weeks after the event with costume contests, dance parties, a special children's parade, pumpkin carving and more! 

3. PCHUM BEN - CAMBODIA

Pchum Ben is a 15 day long religious festival in Cambodia that takes place in late September and early October. The first 14 days bear resemblance to the observance of Lent, but on the last day of the festival, it is believed that the gates to the underworld open, causing supposed spikes in spirit activity. During this time Cambodians visit at least three pagodas (temples), pay their respects to their deceased relatives, leave offerings, and feast. It's also considered an important spiritual time for monks, and they spend the majority of their time during the festival chanting and fasting.

4. DAY OF DRACULA - ROMANIA

Tourists from all over the world gather at Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's castle on the night of Halloween for tours and extravagant parties. Although there is no evidence to suggest that this fortress actually belonged to Vlad the Impaler, that doesn't dampen the festivities. Complete with a traditional 3-course Romanian dinner, themed costume dance, horror movie screening, and souvenirs, this event is a Transylvanian Halloween. In keeping with dark Romanian wit, they offer the entire package for free if you are over 200 years old, have no reflection, and decompose when the light strikes you. 

5. OGNISSANTI - ITALY

Celebrated around the world on November 1st, known in Italy as Ognissanti, it is a feast dedicated to Catholic saints and departed ancestors. Festivities include mass held in cemeteries, decorating graves with chrysanthemums, and the burning of red candles. Not unlike other Italian holidays, food plays a major role in the celebration of Ognissanti, traditional stews and sweet breads are consumed, along with the favorite foods of departed family members.

What are some of your family's fall holiday traditions? Comment and let us know!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Halloween Safety Tips For Trick or Treating

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – Have you carved your pumpkin, stocked up on candy, and finalized your costume yet? Halloween is almost here and with it brings the excitement of endless sweet treats for little trick or treaters everywhere! However, the holiday also poses the threat for some frightening situations. Make sure your kids stay safe this year with a few simple, but extremely important Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating:

• Be seen and heard! Choose bright, flame-retardant costumes that have reflective material, or add reflective tape, so that your trick or treater can be seen in the dark. Make sure they also have a flashlight or glow stick before the sun sets.
• Always stick with a trick or treating route that is in a familiar area with neighbors you trust! Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, isolated streets, and houses that are not well lit.
• Even if you are familiar with the neighborhood, never allow young children to go out alone! Always make sure they are accompanied by a parent or other trusted adult, and that you walk them up to the door, never letting them go inside unless you are there.
• While older children probably don't want you to go out with them, make sure they understand the importance of traveling in groups.
• You'll likely see a lot of cars out on Halloween, but never let your children approach a vehicle, whether it's occupied or not, unless you are right there with them.
• Basic pedestrian safety rules are also important since trick or treating involves walking from house to house and crossing many streets, especially in the dark.
• A great alternative to trick or treating that still celebrates the fun in Halloween, would be to organize a neighborhood or community party where everyone can gather in a safe and supervised environment.
• In any situation, it is important that children know their home phone number, address, and how to dial 911 in an emergency if they do become separated.
• Before children head out on Halloween, or anywhere for that matter, make sure they understand the importance of being aware of their surroundings, and that they need to report any suspicious activity to their parents or law enforcement.
• Should they ever get into a dangerous situation where someone tries to get them to go somewhere or leave with them, make sure they understand that they should shout "NO!" or "This is not my mother/father!" and to make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.

Every year kids set out on Halloween to collect as much candy as they possibly can, it's just important that we educate our children on how to stay safe with a few simple tips. Remember that with your OnStar subscription in any new Chevy cars or new Chevy trucks from Graff Mt. Pleasant, all you have to do is push the red emergency button at any time to report information regarding an AMBER alert or lost child.

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com
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