From sugar skulls to spirit lanterns: How cultures around the world celebrate the day of the dead

Halloween is known worldwide for its costumes and treats, yet many cultures have their own unique ways of marking the day, often focused on honoring loved ones who have passed. From Japan’s creative take on Halloween to Italy’s quiet observances, each of these traditions reflects a blend of heritage, remembrance, and celebration. Here’s how different countries commemorate the occasion.

Mexico: Día de los Muertos – A Celebration of Life and Memory
In Mexico, Halloween becomes Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a colorful celebration where families reconnect with their ancestors. Rather than mourning, Mexicans embrace the day with "elaborate feasts and lots of dancing coupled with the decoration of the gravesites of the departed souls with flowers, lamps and food offerings." This lively gathering sees family members decorating graves with cempasúchil flowers and food, bringing vibrancy to honor the deceased in a joyful spirit.

Japan: Spooky Scenes on Halloween-Themed Trains
Halloween in Japan has grown uniquely popular, with trains and subways becoming the epicenter of celebrations. Earlier this month, for instance, Japan held "a live showcase of a zombie apocalypse... on a 2.5-hour long bullet train ride." This event added a thrill for Halloween enthusiasts, who see these themed train rides as a must-experience. Japan’s commitment to elaborate Halloween showcases attracts crowds looking for a one-of-a-kind experience and creates an atmosphere of excitement throughout the season.

Italy: Giorno dei Morti – Respect and Remembrance
In Italy, the Day of the Dead is observed as Giorno dei Morti, emphasizing respect for departed family members. The day involves traditions that vary by region. For instance, "good behaviour of kids is rewarded with sweet treats, which are given to them on the behalf of their deceased ancestors." Additionally, in some Italian households, a pail of water is left out in the kitchen so "the revisiting dead... can quench their thirst." This tradition, more solemn than other countries’ celebrations, encourages families to honor their ancestors in thoughtful ways.

Philippines: Pangangaluluwa – Celebrating with Family and Tradition
The Philippines observes a tradition called Pangangaluluwa, which shares similarities with American-style trick-or-treating. Children dressed as ghosts in white sheets go door-to-door, singing prayers and receiving treats. However, Pangangaluluwa is "definitely more celebratory than the Italian counterpart for Halloween, with feasting and story-telling being commonplace rituals for an evening huddle of family and friends." This tradition combines community and family, creating a lively environment for children and adults alike to gather, celebrate, and remember.

Costa Rica: Día Nacional de la Mascarada Costarricense – A Masked Affair
Costa Rica’s Día Nacional de la Mascarada Costarricense brings Halloween to life with "oversized, handmade paper mache masks, displayed across elaborate parades and gatherings." This lively celebration uses masks that depict various mythological and contemporary figures, including political leaders and pop culture icons, making it a visually striking and culturally rich experience. The streets are alive with color as Costa Ricans celebrate Halloween with both tradition and modern flair, honoring their heritage while embracing creativity.

Guatemala: Festival de Barriletes Gigantes – A Kite-Filled Sky of Remembrance
In Guatemala, Halloween takes the form of the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes, a 3,000-year-old tradition. Here, families gather in cemeteries to fly "vibrant kites over cemeteries as a mark of respect for the souls of deceased loved ones." The kites are believed to connect with spirits, symbolizing an ongoing bond with ancestors as they soar across the sky. These kites, decorated with intricate patterns and colors, have become an iconic symbol of Guatemalan heritage and a way to honor those who have passed on.

Ireland and Scotland: Samhain – A Time for Reflection and Harvest
In Ireland and Scotland, Halloween is celebrated as Samhain, a festival that marks both the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Dating back to the 9th century, Samhain is believed to be a time when "the worlds of the living and dead amicably coincide." Celebrated with bonfires, gatherings, and seasonal feasts, Samhain connects ancient cultural practices with the natural cycle of seasons, providing a space for reflection and gratitude as families remember the departed.