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Written By
Zain Usmani
Oct 15, 2024
•Life in Canada
Get ready for a spooktacular good time as Halloween approaches in Canada! Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays in Canada. It’s a time for fun and adventure for kids and adults alike. For newcomers celebrating Halloween in Canada, discover more about trick or treating costumes, traditions, and safety tips to ensure a happy Halloween!
Widely associated with haunted Halloween props and silly costumes, Halloween was first celebrated by the ancient Celts living in Ireland almost 2,000 years ago. Since then, Halloween has evolved to become the holiday we know and love today. Although Halloween is not a public holiday, it is the second-largest commercial holiday that Canadian children and adults look forward to.
The ancient Celts believed that October 31 was the only time of year when spirits from the underworld could enter the world of the living. These spirits were believed to be unfriendly and could bring the living back to the underworld. Because of this, people started dressing as spirits on the night of October 31 so that returning spirits wouldn’t harm them.
Around the 1700s, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween to Canada and new elements such as carving jack-o’-lanterns and going door-to-door for treats. And over time, people started wearing funny and less scary Halloween costumes. Now, Halloween is a day to gather with family and friends for a fun time!
People in Canada celebrate Halloween on October 31. In 2024, Halloween is on Thursday, October 31. During this day, young children go trick or treating to enjoy the spooky delights that await. And, on Halloween day children can wear costumes to school. However, the school may have guidelines that you must follow. You may even see adults wearing Halloween costumes in the office for the day.
Preparing for Halloween is where all the fun lies! In the weeks before Halloween, people eagerly plan their costumes and decorate their homes and yards to get in the holiday spirit.
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Thanksgiving in Canada | History & Traditions
Trick or treating is a beloved Halloween event for Canadian children and their families. On Halloween night, children don costumes and go door-to-door to collect candy and treats from their neighbours. Canadians cherish this Halloween experience, and many communities organize events to celebrate!
Canadians also have unique customs that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. In Quebec, for example, the tradition of “La Guignolée” involves groups of people going door-to-door, singing traditional songs, and collecting donations for the less fortunate. This practice dates back to the 18th century and speaks to the generous spirit rooted in Canadian culture.
Other popular Canadian Halloween traditions include hosting costume parties, with creative Halloween-themed decorations, and attending haunted house attractions and ghost tours. These activities provide a thrilling and spooky celebration!
While you can always expect to see children dressing up in spooky costumes, which is a classic choice, other costumes are downright cute. Superheroes, princesses, animals, there is no limit to creative Halloween trick or treating costume ideas. Adults too, look forward to choosing their costumes. Pop culture, group or couple costumes are popular for Halloween parties.
Whether you buy a costume or get creative and make one with supplies from your local dollar store, there are plenty of ideas to consider. But, also keep your child’s safety in mind to ensure a happy Halloween!
It is impossible to miss Halloween in Canada. Around mid-October, people start decorating the front of their homes and yards, a common sight in many neighbourhoods. For home and yard decor ideas, stores like Canadian Tire can help you create a haunted Halloween mood for your house.
Carving a pumpkin is a popular Canadian Halloween tradition. Families and friends gather and carve jack-o’-lanterns and showcase their artistic talents. Or you can show off your talent by painting or decorating pumpkins with stickers.
Jack-o’-lanterns are one of the most iconic Halloween decorations. You also don’t need to buy them from a shop because they are easy to make at home! A jack-o’-lantern is a hollowed-out pumpkin, in which you place a candle. People like to carve faces on the pumpkin to make it look scary or funny.
During the night, when the candle is lit, the jack o’ lantern will be just what it sounds like, a lantern. The light shines through the carvings, to make a cool effect. If you don’t want to buy Halloween decorations, jack-o’-lanterns are a great way to show your holiday spirit.
While kids of all ages love to dress up on Halloween night, it’s important to follow costume and traffic safety tips for an extra safe and happy Halloween:
Halloween in Canada is a time for fun and exciting activities. With these thrilling activities and trick or treating safety tips you and your children can enjoy a happy Halloween!
WRITTEN BY
Zain Usmani
Writer, Prepare for Canada
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
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