- Oct 6, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 30, 2024
What is Halloween, and Why Do Americans Celebrate It?
Halloween, as celebrated today in the U.S., has evolved from centuries-old Celtic traditions. Its roots trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, held on the night of October 31, marking the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. On this night, it was believed that the barrier between the living and the spirit world weakened, allowing souls to cross over. To ward off any harmful spirits, people would light bonfires and wear costumes.
Over time, Halloween became a more secular holiday in the United States, where it transformed into the festive, family-friendly celebration we know today. It’s marked by traditions like costume parties, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, and, in recent years, creating elaborate haunted houses for family and friends. Americans of all ages participate in Halloween, embracing it as a time to let loose, get creative with costumes, and share in community fun.
Halloween, for Americans, is all about fun and togetherness. Kids dress as their favorite characters, and communities come together for trick-or-treating, haunted attractions, and festivals. Costumes have come to embody a “be who you want” spirit, where people of all ages can transform into something or someone else, if only for a night. For many, it’s not just a holiday but a joyful part of the year where communities, from big cities to small towns, come alive with an exciting energy. For those of us who grew up with Halloween, it’s hard not to miss those traditions when living abroad, which brings me to why I’m so excited to bring a bit of Halloween spirit to Athens this year.
Do Greeks Celebrate Halloween? The Rise of Halloween in Greece
Halloween in Greece is still a novelty. As an American expat, I’m often asked, “So, what’s the big deal with Halloween?” or “Why do you celebrate it?” Even though globalized influences have introduced Halloween-themed parties, especially in Athens, many Greeks are unfamiliar with its deeper traditions. Halloween is sometimes seen as “just another American holiday,” but in recent years, this has slowly been changing.
Thanks to the internet, pop culture, and globalization, Halloween-themed decorations, costume shops, and even special events have started popping up in Greece, especially in urban areas. Bars and clubs host Halloween-themed nights, young adults dress up, and children are introduced to costumes and candy through pop culture. However, Halloween is still a foreign concept for many, viewed with both curiosity and, at times, skepticism. Some see it as just another excuse for a party, while others view it as a fun American tradition worth trying.
Through MATIA MOU, I’m hoping to bridge this cultural gap by introducing a Halloween party that stays true to its roots, while giving Greeks a taste of what makes it so enjoyable. Our event isn’t just about costumes and candy—it’s about creating connections between Greek and American culture, offering a night where both communities can celebrate in their own way. In the end, Halloween is a celebration of creativity and community, two things that Greeks embrace wholeheartedly in their own unique way.
Greek Halloween: A Look at Apokries
While Halloween may be new in Greece, the country has its own version of costume-filled festivities—Apokries, or carnival season. Apokries is a tradition that stretches back centuries, rooted in both cultural and religious customs. Occurring in the weeks leading up to Lent, Apokries is a time when Greeks dress up, celebrate, and feast in preparation for the fasting period that follows.
Apokries kicks off with Tsiknopempti, or “Smoky Thursday,” when families and friends gather for a grand BBQ feast. This day is filled with laughter, costumes, and delicious food, all marking the beginning of carnival season. Throughout Apokries, masquerade balls, parades, and street festivals pop up across Greece, allowing people to express themselves freely. Costumes range from humorous to traditional, and there’s a strong sense of togetherness in these festivities, much like the community spirit of Halloween in the U.S.
While Halloween and Apokries have different origins—one rooted in ancient Celtic beliefs and the other in Greek Orthodox tradition—they share a common thread: the desire to dress up, celebrate, and embrace a different side of ourselves. Apokries, with its lively parades, masked balls, and feasting, is Greece’s own unique way of reveling in disguise, making it the perfect “Greek Halloween” for anyone interested in experiencing a similar festive spirit.
Encouraging Americans to Experience Greek Halloween Traditions
For Americans who love Halloween, visiting Greece during Apokries is an unforgettable experience. Apokries offers a chance to experience the Greek version of dressing up, dancing in the streets, and enjoying the freedom to be someone else for a night. It’s a carnival season that combines the excitement of Halloween with the warmth of Greek tradition. Imagine exchanging the chill of October for Greece’s mild spring weather, as Apokries usually occurs in late February or early March, and joining in on centuries-old traditions that celebrate life, freedom, and community.
As a FORA travel advisor, I’m eager to help American travelers plan their trips to Greece for Apokries, where they can immerse themselves in these traditions. Whether it’s joining in a Tsiknopempti feast, experiencing a masquerade ball, or exploring the beautiful towns and villages that light up with celebrations, there’s so much to enjoy. FORA offers personalized travel experiences that make it easy to join in on Apokries, allowing travelers to not only explore Greece but also take part in a tradition that’s rich with history and meaning.
Conclusion: Unifying Both Cultures Through Halloween and Apokries
Halloween and Apokries are two celebrations that, on the surface, might seem worlds apart, but both offer a chance to dress up, celebrate, and embrace a spirit of joy and community. By introducing Halloween to Greeks through MATIA MOU and sharing Apokries with my American friends, I hope to foster a sense of cultural exchange that brings both communities together. For expats, this Halloween party offers a taste of home in Greece. For Greeks, it’s an opportunity to experience something new, expanding cultural horizons in a way that’s both fun and meaningful.
Ultimately, holidays like Halloween and Apokries are reminders of our shared human desire to celebrate life’s lighter moments, connect with others, and try on a new “alter ego,” if only for a night. As MATIA MOU continues to grow, I look forward to creating more opportunities like this one—moments that allow Greeks and Americans alike to discover new traditions, build lasting memories, and see the world through each other’s eyes. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, Apokries, or both, there’s always room for connection, celebration, and a little bit of magic.
