Most people think Halloween started in the U.S., but it actually began in Ireland. Long ago, the Celts believed that on October 31st, the line between the living and the dead became thin, and spirits could walk the earth. This ancient festival, called Samhain, later turned into the Halloween we celebrate today, with fun costumes, glowing lights, and spooky vibes.
Halloween is no longer just an American celebration, it’s now a global one, and the magic lies in how each place adds its own unique twist. If you’re working and traveling abroad, here’s how different countries around the world celebrate the season of spirits and how you can join in wherever your journey takes you.
1. Ireland – The Birthplace of Halloween
There’s no better place to start than Ireland, where Halloween first began. The city of Derry turns into a Halloween wonderland, with street parades, live music, fireworks, and ghost tours through ancient walls.
People dress up in creative costumes and take part in the famous “Awakening of the Walls” parade. It’s a perfect blend of ancient folklore and modern celebration.
2. China – The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts
In China, Halloween connects beautifully with Teng Chieh, also known as The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. Families honor their ancestors by offering food, water, and lanterns to guide spirits on their way.
If you’re joining an au pair program in China, you’ll discover a deeper cultural meaning, it’s less about costumes and more about respect and remembrance.
3. Italy – The Sweet Taste of “Souls Day”
On November 1st, people celebrate “The Souls Day” (Ognissanti) with candles, family gatherings, and traditional cookies called Fave dei Morti—made in honor of loved ones who have passed.
While working and traveling there, it’s a wonderful time to experience Italy’s deep sense of family, tradition, and flavor.
4. Spain – Pumpkins and “Dia de Los Muertos”
In Galicia, Spain, people celebrate “The Day of the Pumpkins” by carving lanterns from gourds and enjoying festive meals. In other parts of the country, “Día de Los Muertos” fills the streets with color, music, and remembrance.
Whether you’re an intern or au pair in Spain, you’ll experience a mix of joyful celebration and meaningful reflection.
5. France – Toussaint: Honoring the Dead with Flowers
In France, Halloween isn’t popular, but All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint) on November 1st holds deep meaning. Families visit cemeteries to place chrysanthemums, a popular type of flower, on graves, honoring and remembering their loved ones.
6. Netherlands – Singing for Sweets
In the Netherlands, children celebrate Sint-Maarten on November 11th, a cheerful mix of Halloween and Christmas spirit. They create colourful lanterns, sing songs from door to door, and collect sweets, lighting up the long autumn evenings. It’s a joyful reminder that light always shines through the dark.
Working and traveling abroad isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s about experiencing local traditions firsthand and becoming part of them. It’s a fascinating way to challenge yourself, discover new ways of living, and step out of your comfort zone.
At Roast Jobs, we help curious, ambitious, and adventurous people like you find the right experience abroad, whether it’s teaching, hospitality, volunteering, or cultural exchange.
From matching you with the perfect program to supporting you throughout your stay, we’ve got your back every step of the way. So, let’s live these experiences together.
Don’t waste another moment, visit roastjobs.com or contact us at hello@roastjobs.com to start your next adventure today.
👉 Start now at roastjobs.com or reach out to us for more information at hello@roastjobs.com
You might want to read as well How to Feel Confident About Volunteering Abroad and Pack Smart for the Journey, Volunteering Program: Outline ways to choose the right, Find Your Perfect Program, Our volunteering abroad programs and much more.
This article was written by Júlia Zapparolli. Thank you for reading. 😊
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