Halloween was kinda canceled this year due to COVID-19, but hopefully, everything will be “back to normal” in 2021 (Fingers crossed!). And since we haven’t traveled a lot this year, a lot of us might wanna take revenge and travel a bit more next year – I know I will! So with everything happening and all the travel restrictions, you probably don’t need an excuse to travel next year. But if you do, read this and it will give you a great reason!
This list gives you 5 great places to spend Halloween in 2021. So pack your costume, get ready to carve your pumpkin, and book that flight to experience Halloween in an exciting destination! If you need useful tips on how to find cheap flights, then check out our guide here.
Firstly, a bit of history might be good in order to understand why Ireland is on this list. The tradition of Halloween originates back to the Celtic culture and the festival of Samhain. The tradition of Samhain marks the end of the harvest season, and the beginning of winter. The festival was all about bonfires, dressing up in a costume/disguise, and going door-to-door to ask for food. Sounds pretty similar to the traditions we know of Halloween, right?
Today, Derry Halloween Festival is a big carnival that celebrates Halloween and the old traditions of Samhain. You can expect fireworks, bonfires, a parade, Jack-o-Lanterns carving, and a horror house! This festival is all about dressing up, so remember to bring an awesome costume.
Salem, home to the famous witch-trials that happened in the 17th century, is still known as a haunted place. Hence, the name of this celebration, “Haunted Happenings Grand Parade.” Besides this festival, Salem also has a Museum of the Witch Trial and several guided ghost tours.
The Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is a month-long festival, with events happening every day. The entire town gets decorated with Jack-o’-lanterns, witches, and people dressing up. The main event in Salem is the Grand Parade, and the theme changes every year.
This one might be a bit in the wrong – at least if you ask a Mexican. Halloween and Dia de la Morte are not the same, but they do share similarities. And Mexico is a great destination to travel too (check out our inspiration list for a full two-week itinerary in Mexico, and I’m sure you’ll want to visit it also)
Día de Los Muertos is a celebration of the dead, and it’s held every year from the 31st of October until the 2nd of November. This multi-day festival is all about praying, remembering, and welcoming the spirit of your deceased relatives. People dress up in a certain way, which involves a lot of facepaint – just check out the picture! And then you feast and enjoy a dinner with your loved ones (including the dead).
We all know Count Dracula – and what is scarier than him, and the many stories of his bloodlust? Count Dracula is a fictional character by Bram Stroker, though he is actually based on Vlad The Impaler, a victorious prince known for his cruel way of punishing.
Today, Transylvania is mostly known for Bran Castle, and many people associate this area with vampires. Bran Castle hosts Halloween every year, and if you’re over 18, you can join the Halloween night tour at Bran Castle.
However, don’t expect to see a lot of carved pumpkins here! Instead, this destination is suitable for those seeking an experience with loads of horror. If such, also visit the Dracula Film Festival, which is a real treat for horror fans.
Aarhus might not have been high on your list, but this destination actually has a lot to offer! Although Aarhus lacks decorations in the city picture, if you head to Tivoli Friheden, an amusement park, this place is decorated from top to toe! Expect Jack’o’Lanterns, coffins and ghosts all over – and it’s actually kind of beautiful. Plus, you can also try out the rides and thrills.
Dystopia differs from all of the others – it’s not a festival but a haunted house that “pops” up in different places throughout the country. And it’s a scary one, as well! The theme differs every year, but the scare factor doesn’t, and you can expect people chasing after you with a chainsaw (for real). The main haunted house runs on the weekend from September – November, while the smaller pop-ups are in the fall break.