Everything You Need to Know About Halloween

In Dubai, Halloween celebrations in 2021 are conducted primarily in hotels and theme parks, with both kids and adults enjoying the celebrations.

The world's largest indoor theme park, the IMG world of adventure, conducts an enjoyable Halloween celebration where visitors experience a haunted maze, scary rides, and Zombie Apocalypse. The celebration also features live DJ music and dance.

In addition, Emaar Entertainment is celebrating Halloween by organizing a range of quirky activities and events designed to allow the whole family to spend the most beautiful time filled with fun and excitement.

During this framework, the "Dubai Skating Rink" welcomes visitors in their costumes to enjoy beautiful times in a Halloween-inspired environment. Accompanied by favorite songs and music tracks, with a chance to win the most fantastic costume competition! The skating sessions for this occasion will start at 10 am on Friday the 29th of this month.

Emaar's unique events and exceptional experiences are also organized in Kidzania Dubai, Reel Cinemas at Jebel Ali Entertainment Club, VR Park, and The Springs Souk.

What is Halloween, and why do we celebrate it?

Halloween is a holiday that is celebrated on October 31 every year. Otherwise called the All-Halloweens Eve or All Saints Eve, this day is celebrated on the eve of the Western Christan feast of All Hallow's Day. This day is dedicated to remembering the dead people, including the martyrs, saints, and other departed souls.

Halloween got its name from All-Hallows or All-Hallowmas, the night before the Celtic festival, Samhain. The origin of Halloween celebrations can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts who lived in present-day Ireland celebrated this festival to mark the end of summer and the beginning of winter. They believed that on the night of October 31, the ghost of the dead returned to the earth. During this festival, people wear unique costumes consisting of animal heads, skin, and light bonfires to ward off evil.

During the 19th century, the Irish and Scottish immigration to America paved Halloween's popularity in this region. This tradition assimilated into American society and is now widely celebrated all over the country, irrespective of religion and race.

Why do we say "trick or treat" during the Halloween celebration?

Trick or treating is a popular way for children to celebrate Halloween. Children dress up in Halloween costumes and go from house to house asking for a trick or treat. The treat can either be candies or money. The trick is performed if the homeowner provides no treat. This involves performing some prank on the homeowner or his property. The custom of trick or treating originated in the USA, where it became popular in the 1950s after being depicted in the Peanuts comic strip. Later, Disney produced a cartoon called 'trick or treat' featuring the famous Donald Duck and his nephews.

In 1950, UNICEF came with a new program called "Trick or Treat for UNICEF." The participants of this program will knock at the door, saying: "Trick or Treat for UNICEF." Instead of candy, money will be collected, which is used for humanitarian work.

Why Are Candies Given on Halloween?

In early times, candies were never a part of the Halloween celebration. Kids who rang a stranger's doorbell for treats were given seasonal fruits like pumpkins and apples, along with popcorn balls and fudges. Candies were mainly reserved for Christmas and Easter celebrations.

It was during the 1950s that candies became popular as Halloween treats. Candy companies used "trick or treat" as a marketing opportunity to push the sale of sweets. There were several reasons for the popularity of candy as a treat for Halloween. Firstly, candles were very easy to buy and distribute. Secondly, when many children are vying for treats, candy turns out to be an economical option. Thus, candy companies started making small candies with Halloween in mind.

It was in the 1970s that candies became the only legitimate treat for Halloween. Commercially wrapped candies were safer than homemade unwrapped candies that could be tampered with. Thus, candies became the only treat for Halloween.

How To Celebrate Halloween at Home?

If you are not so keen on partying in a hotel or resort, you can conduct a Halloween party at home. You can decorate the house in a Halloween theme and prepare food such as dead velvet cake that blends in well with the theme of the celebration. Telling scary stories, watching scary movies, and playing pranks add to the fun of the celebration.

Jack O'lantern is the center of attraction of Halloween decor. Carving Jack O'lantern from the pumpkin is a fun activity you can do with kids. Various Halloween games like Frankenstein bowling and Marshmallow toss game make Halloween worth celebrating.