Experiencing Halloween Around the World: From Brazil to Dublin
Halloween has always been one of those holidays that sparks the imagination—a night filled with costumes, candy, and a touch of the eerie. Growing up in Brazil, I celebrated Halloween, but not in the way it’s done in America. For us, Halloween meant dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, collecting as much candy as possible before heading home. It was fun, but it never reached the full-blown, all-out extravaganza that you see in Hollywood movies.
Those movies painted a picture of Halloween that was larger than life—elaborate haunted houses, entire streets transformed into spooky wonderlands, and everyone, from kids to adults, fully embracing the spirit of the season. It seemed like Halloween was more than just a day; it was an experience. But it wasn’t until I moved abroad that I truly began to understand the full spectrum of Halloween celebrations.
Halloween in Australia: A Growing Tradition
When I moved to Australia, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much Halloween had caught on. While it wasn’t quite the full-scale event you might see in the United States, it was definitely more than what I was used to in Brazil. Stores were filled with decorations—everything from carved pumpkins to fake spider webs—and there was an excitement in the air as October 31st approached.
The Australian version of Halloween felt like a blend of American influences and local traditions, with a strong emphasis on community and fun. Kids would go trick-or-treating, and some neighborhoods even held small Halloween parties. It was a step up from what I had known in Brazil, but still, there was something missing—something that would take my Halloween experience to the next level.
Dublin: A Halloween Like No Other
Samuel Beckett Bridge with Halloween Lighting
It wasn’t until I moved to Dublin that I truly experienced Halloween in all its glory. Ireland, after all, is the birthplace of Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that eventually evolved into what we now know as Halloween. There, the holiday took on a whole new perspective, and I found myself immersed in an atmosphere that was both magical and mysterious.
I lived near the famous Samuel Beckett Bridge, which is shaped like a harp and is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks. During Halloween, the bridge would light up with eerie decorations, casting an otherworldly glow over the River Liffey. The days were getting shorter, and the mornings were often misty, creating a perfect backdrop for the season. Walking through the city during this time felt like stepping into a Halloween movie—a far cry from the simple trick-or-treating of my childhood.
Halloween in Dublin was an immersive experience. The entire city seemed to embrace the holiday, with decorations everywhere you looked, from store windows to public buildings. There was a palpable excitement in the air, as if the city itself was gearing up for something special.
Unfortunately, I lived in Dublin during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I missed out on some of the bigger events, like the traditional bonfire festivals. These festivals are a throwback to the ancient Samhain celebrations, where fires were lit to ward off evil spirits and mark the end of the harvest season. I’ve heard that they’re an incredible sight to behold, and one day, I hope to experience them for myself.
A New Appreciation for Halloween
Living in different countries has given me a new appreciation for Halloween and how it’s celebrated around the world. From the simple trick-or-treating of my Brazilian childhood to the growing enthusiasm in Australia, and finally, to the deep-rooted traditions of Dublin, each place has added its own flavor to my understanding of the holiday.
Halloween is more than just a night of costumes and candy—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and a little bit of magic. Whether you’re in a city that goes all out or a small town with more modest celebrations, Halloween has a way of bringing people together, reminding us all that it’s okay to embrace the spooky, the strange, and the mysterious, even if just for one night.
What are your favorite Halloween memories? Have you experienced Halloween in different parts of the world? Share your stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you celebrate this magical holiday!
From Brazil’s simple trick-or-treating to Dublin’s eerie, misty mornings, experience how Halloween transforms across the globe with personal stories of cultural celebration.