When is Halloween 2024? Everything you need to know about the night of the dead. Although there are still a few weeks left, Halloween is, without a doubt, the celebration that monopolizes attention throughout the month of October. With an atmosphere full of mystery, fantasy and a touch of terror, this festival has managed to establish itself as one of the most popular in many parts of the world. And although many know that Halloween is celebrated at the end of October, Not everyone knows precisely when it falls each yearand above all, what is really celebrated. In 2024this date continues to arouse curiosity about its roots, customs and the origin of this “night of the dead” that has evolved over time.
It’s interesting how Halloween, despite its enormous popularity, remains a mystery to many people when it comes to its origins. Why is it celebrated the way we do today? And more importantly, how has this tradition from yesteryear become one of the most commercialized dates? With every October, not only do the costumes and sweets arrive, but also the desire to learn a little more about this holiday. that merges cultures and eras. If you are one of those who enjoy dressing up, decorating or simply living the Halloween atmosphere, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about this party that will arrive, as we say, at the end of the month, also giving way to another party that, on the other hand, has much more “weight” or is more traditional in our country and is none other than the celebration of All Saints.
When is Halloween 2024?
Like every year, Halloween is celebrated on the night of October 31, which this year 2024 falls on a Thursday.. As usual, the days before will be full of activities related to the holiday: terrifying decorations in the houses, theme parties and the inevitable costume parades. But also in many countries like Spain, the next day that is, November 1 is a religious holiday since it is celebrated he All Hallows, Therefore, Halloween is presented as a perfect prelude to a day of meditation. So, if you plan to celebrate, keep in mind that The previous weekend, October 26 and 27, will also be an opportunity to enjoy events and activities related to the festival.
Origin of the Halloween party
Halloween has its roots in an ancient Celtic celebration called Samhain.which took place more than 2,000 years ago in the regions we know today as Ireland, Scotland and northern France. This festival marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the Celtic new year, as well as symbolizing the transition to the darkest season of the year. The Celts believed that on the night of Samhain, the barrier between the world of the living and the dead weakened, allowing spirits to temporarily return to the underworld. To protect themselves from these spirits and honor their ancestors, they lit large bonfires, dressed up in skins, and left offerings of food.
With the arrival of Christianity, the Catholic Church tried to Christianize the Celtic holiday of Samhainestablishing All Saints’ Day on November 1. In this way, the eve of this day, called “All Hallows’ Eve”, eventually became what we know today as Halloween. Over time, pagan and Christian practices merged, giving rise to today’s customs such as wearing costumes and nighttime celebrations.
Difference with All Saints
Although Halloween and All Saints’ Day are celebrated on consecutive dates, Both festivities have very different meanings and origins. While we have already mentioned that Halloween has its pagan roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, and is also focused on fantasy, costumes and the mystery of the night, All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1, has a more solemn religious focus. This Catholic holiday honors martyrs and saints who do not have a specific day on the calendar, being a time of recollection and prayer to remember loved ones who have died. Halloween, on the other hand, has evolved into a recreational and commercial holiday, especially in countries like the United States, where celebrations with costumes and candy predominate. However, in many cultures, both days are intertwined in collective memory, fusing the mystical with the spiritual.
Curiosities of the night of the dead
The evolution of Halloween is fascinating, especially when you consider how it has changed over time and cultures. Irish immigrants brought this holiday to the United States in the 19th century, where it began to become popular.. There, the festival acquired, as we say, a more playful and commercial approach, including such iconic elements as pumpkins carved with faces, which replaced the turnips that were originally used in Europe. One of the most interesting curiosities is the tradition of “trick or treat”where children dressed in costumes go from house to house asking for sweets. This custom is believed to come from an ancient practice of leaving food to appease spirits or even from the medieval tradition of asking for food in exchange for praying for the souls of the deceased.
Another curious fact is how orange and black became the predominant colors of Halloween. Orange represents fall crops and pumpkins, while black symbolizes death and the mystery. Furthermore, although it is a holiday mostly associated with the United States, Halloween has found its place in many other countries, including Spain, where each year it becomes more relevant with themed parties and activities. No matter how you decide to celebrate Halloween in 2024, it’s an ideal time to let your imagination run wild and enjoy the magic of the most mysterious night of the year.
