Halloween in Malta: A Celebration of Fun and Frights
Halloween, celebrated every year on October 31st. A holiday known for creepy costumes, trick-or-treating and festive parties. While Halloween is famous in countries like the United States. It has also found its way to other parts of the world, including Malta. This trendy celebration is growing in popularity.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how Halloween celebrations in Malta. The traditions people enjoy and how it has become a fun holiday for both children and adults.
The History of Halloween
Before we talk about Halloween in Malta. It’s important to understand where Halloween comes from. The origins of Halloween can be traced back to an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain. This festival marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of Winter. The Celts believed that a mystical event takes place every year on the night of October 31st. According to their belief the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. Allowing spirits to roam the earth.
Over time, Halloween was influenced by Christian traditions. In particular, All Saints’ Day (celebrated on November 1st). Along with All Souls’ Day (celebrated on November 2nd). These feasts honour saints and remember the dead.
Halloween as we know it today, with costumes, sweets and decorations. Became popular in the United States in the 19th century. It has since spread to many countries worldwide, including Malta.
The Arrival of Halloween in Malta
In Malta, Halloween is not a traditional holiday. But, in recent years, it has become more and more popular. Especially among children and young people. As a result of the influence of American and British culture among young people. In particular through movies, television shows and the internet. This has helped Halloween become a recognized celebration on the Maltese islands. Up until a decade ago, Halloween in Malta was celebrated among a few horror enthusiasts.
Before Halloween became popular, the Maltese people focused on other feasts. Being All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. These are still important religious holidays in Malta. The traditions of these two days continue. But Halloween has added a new layer of fun to the end of October in Malta.
Halloween celebrations in Malta
Halloween celebrations in Malta are like those in other parts of the world. While it might not be as large or as long-standing a tradition as in the United States. It has its own unique Maltese flavour. So, if you want to join the Halloween fun on the island book you stay here. You can book your airport transfers here or car hire here.
Here are some of the key ways people celebrate Halloween in Malta and Gozo.
Costumes and Dressing Up
One of the most exciting parts of Halloween is dressing up in terrifying costumes. Both children and adults take part in this tradition. Dressing up as witches, ghosts, monsters, superheroes. Or anything else they find fun or scary. Costume parties are common. With clubs and even workplaces hosting Halloween-themed events.
Many people take time to plan their outstanding creepy costumes. Buying them from stores or making them at home. Some costumes are spooky. Like zombies and skeletons. While others are light-hearted and funny. This tradition gives everyone the chance to be creative and have fun.
Trick-or-Treating
The classic Halloween tradition! Kids knock on doors and say the famous phrase “trick or treat.” In return, people give them sweets or small treats. Children especially look forward to this part of Halloween. Enjoying the excitement of dressing up and collecting sweets from their neighbours.
While trick-or-treating is not as widespread as in countries like the United States. It is becoming more popular each year. Particularly, in those areas of Malta with larger communities of expatriates.
Several towns and villages are organising trick or treat events. In particular, some neighbourhoods are more active than others. Areas like Swieqi, Sliema and St. Julian’s. Which have more foreign residents, often see more children trick-or-treating. In other parts of the island, it is still catching on. But each year, more and more families join in the fun.
Halloween Decorations
Halloween is also a time for spooky decorations. It’s common to see houses and shops decorated with Halloween-themed items. Like pumpkins, spider webs, skeletons and ghosts. Some people even carve jack-o’-lanterns. Although real pumpkins are less common on the island due to the warm climate. Instead, people often use plastic or foam pumpkins to create their decorations.
Public places, like shopping centres and restaurants, also get into the Halloween spirit. Decorating their spaces with bats, witches and other harrowing symbols. This creates a festive atmosphere all around the island during the Halloween season.
Parties and Events
Halloween parties are a big part of the celebration in Malta. Many bars and nightclubs host special Halloween events. With horror-themed music, drinks and of course, costume contests. These parties are popular with adults. For those who take fun in dressing up and celebrating with friends.
For children, event organisers often organise Halloween activities. Such as pumpkin carving, costume contests and games. Some towns also host public events. Like haunted houses and Halloween fairs. Where families can come together to enjoy the spooky season.
Haunted Tours and Attractions
Malta’s rich history provides the perfect backdrop for some eerie Halloween events. Several historical sites on the island host special haunted experiences. These tours often focus on the darker and more mysterious side of Malta’s past. Giving visitors a chance to experience the island’s history in a spooky way.
Malta’s underground tunnels, fortifications and historical buildings. In Valletta, the Three Cities and Mdina give a mysterious edge. People attending haunted tours at these places are in for an eerie night.
These haunted tours are popular with both locals and tourists. Offering a unique way to celebrate the Halloween season. While also learning about Malta’s cultural heritage.
Halloween for Charity
Another growing trend is using Halloween festivities to raise money for charity. Some event organisers organise special Halloween events in Malta. People are encouraged to dress up in costumes and donate to a good cause. These events combine the fun of Halloween with the spirit of giving. Making it a meaningful celebration for many.
Blending Halloween with Maltese Traditions
While Halloween is becoming more popular in Malta. It doesn’t take away from the importance of traditional Maltese holidays. The likes of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. These religious holidays remain significant for many Maltese people. Who use this time to honour their loved ones who have passed away.
On All Souls’ Day, families visit cemeteries. To clean and decorate the graves of their relatives. Placing flowers and lighting candles in their memory. This is a solemn and reflective time. It contrasts with the playful and spooky nature of Halloween. But, the two celebrations exist side by side. Allowing people in Malta to enjoy both the fun of Halloween. Along with the deep meaning of their religious traditions.
Halloween’s Growing Popularity in Malta
Each year, Halloween seems to grow in popularity in Malta. More families and businesses are getting involved in the celebration. Making it a much-anticipated event. Younger generations, especially children, are embracing Halloween as part of their cultural experience. Enjoying the chance to dress up and collect sweets. Besides having fun with friends and family.
The future of Halloween in Malta looks bright. As the holiday continues to gain popularity. It’s likely that more people will join in the fun. Making Halloween an even bigger part of Malta’s festive calendar.
Halloween in Malta may be a new celebration. But it has rapidly become a beloved event for many. From spooky costumes and trick-or-treating. To haunted tours and charity events. Halloween offers something for everyone to enjoy. While it’s not a traditional Maltese holiday. It blends well with the island’s culture. Adding a touch of fun and excitement to the end of October.
As Halloween continues to grow in popularity. It is sure to become an even more significant celebration on the island. Offering everyone a chance to enjoy the thrills and chills of this spine-chilling holiday.
