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.