Halloween is one of the most famous holidays in the world, attracting the attention of millions of people every year. This holiday is associated with costume parties, pumpkins with carved faces and the tradition of "trick-or-treat" (collecting sweets by children). However, its roots go much deeper, to ancient times, when important pagan rituals such as Samhain were celebrated. Halloween is celebrated in different ways in different countries, and each culture has its own characteristics and traditions.

The history of Halloween originates from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated by the Celtic peoples of Britain and Ireland about 2,000 years ago. Samhain was an important event that symbolized the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when the days grew shorter and nature faded. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31 to November 1, the boundary between the world of the living and the dead became thin, and the spirits of the dead could return to earth. To protect themselves from evil spirits, the Celts lit large fires and wore scary costumes made of animal skins. One of the interesting elements of the Samhain tradition was the belief that not only the spirits of ancestors could return on this night, but also fairies - mythical creatures that could help or harm people. People left food and drink on the thresholds of their homes to appease the spirits. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the church decided to integrate pagan traditions into its calendar system. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III declared November 1st All Saints' Day, and the night before became known as "All Hallows' Eve", which eventually evolved into "Halloween". During this period, Christian and pagan customs merged: costumes, bonfires, and spirit symbols were preserved, but were adapted to the new Christian traditions.

The tradition of "trick-or-treat" has its roots in ancient customs. During Samhain, the Celts offered food to spirits to protect themselves from their malice. Over time, this practice evolved into the Medieval custom of souling: poor people and children went from house to house offering prayers for the souls of the dead in exchange for food. People were given special "soul cakes" - small pastries that they could take home with them. The modern practice of trick-or-treating originated in the United States in the 20th century, when children began going door-to-door asking for candy. It is now a fun and popular tradition that has spread around the world.

One of the symbols of Halloween is pumpkins with carved faces, known as Jack-o'-lanterns. This tradition originates from Ireland and is associated with the legend of Jack the Miser. According to the legend, the cunning and greedy Jack tricked the devil into promising that he would never take his soul. When Jack died, he was not allowed into either heaven or hell. As punishment, the devil gave Jack only a smoldering ember, which he placed in a hollow turnip to light his way through the eternal darkness. The Irish carved faces into turnips and beets to ward off Jack's spirit, but when they moved to America, they replaced them with pumpkins, which were easier to carve.

The modern look of Halloween was formed mainly in the United States. In the 19th century, Irish immigrants, many of whom were descendants of the Celts, brought their customs to America. Initially, Halloween was not a mass holiday, but since the late 19th century, it has become popular among children and young people. Gradually, the tradition of "trick-or-treat" emerged, when children in costumes go from house to house, demanding treats and sweets under the threat of minor pranks. By the mid-20th century, Halloween had become a commercial holiday with costumes, decorations, pumpkins, and games spreading across America.

Spain did not celebrate Halloween in the same way as it was in English-speaking countries for a long time. However, since the late 20th century, this holiday has begun to gain popularity, especially among young people. The main influences on the spread of Halloween in Spain were American films, popular culture and the growth of international relations. Until then, the main holiday associated with the memory of the dead was All Saints' Day (Día de Todos los Santos), which is celebrated on November 1. On this day, Spaniards visit cemeteries, bring flowers to the graves of their relatives and spend time with family. However, Spaniards have begun to actively perceive Halloween as an opportunity to have fun. Halloween-themed parties and shop windows have begun to be held throughout the country, especially in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Shops are filled with themed attributes - from costumes to decorative pumpkins and artificial spider webs. Children eagerly participate in "trick-or-treat", going from house to house collecting sweets, while teenagers and adults go to costume parties.

Valencia, one of the largest cities in Spain, also actively participates in the celebration of Halloween. Despite the relatively recent spread of this holiday, the city quickly adapted to Western traditions. Starting from mid-October, the streets of Valencia are decorated with Halloween symbols - pumpkins, skeletons, cobwebs. Clubs and bars organize costume parties, and shops offer a wide range of themed paraphernalia. A unique feature of the Halloween celebration in Valencia is the Tunnel of Terror (Túnel del Terror), which is organized in various places, including schools, parks and even shopping centers. This is an interactive show with the participation of actors and spectators, where you can experience fear and fun at the same time. Street parades and costume contests are also popular in Valencia, which are held on the central streets of the city, such as Calle Colón and Plaza del Ayuntamiento. This creates a special atmosphere when the whole city is immersed in the mysticism and creativity of Halloween. However, it is not only children who take part in the celebration: adults actively participate in street events, costume parties and competitions for the best costume. Interestingly, in Valencia, as in other parts of Spain, Halloween has not replaced the traditional All Saints' Day. Many families who have had a fun Halloween evening visit cemeteries the following day to honor the memory of deceased relatives. This unique combination of Western influences and Spanish traditions reflects cultural adaptation, in which new holidays complement, but do not replace, the old ones.

Halloween in Spain and, in particular, in Valencia is a vibrant symbiosis of traditional and modern holidays. The streets and clubs of the city are transformed into mystical locations, and street parades and parties attract not only children but also adults. This is a time when residents can immerse themselves in an atmosphere of fun, creativity and mysticism. But despite the growing popularity of Halloween, the traditional All Saints' Day remains an important part of Spanish culture, reminding us that the memory of ancestors is also an important element of the autumn holidays.