How is Halloween celebrated in Chile? - 2023

Halloween , a festivity of Anglo-Saxon origin that has transcended borders, has found a special place in the hearts of Peruvians. Although Peru has its own traditions and festivities rooted in its rich ancient culture, Halloween has grown in popularity and become an occasion to celebrate, dress up, and have spooky fun.

In recent decades, Halloween has experienced a significant increase in popularity in Peru . Although it was originally a foreign holiday, it has managed to merge with local traditions and has found its own space in the country's festive agenda. The streets are lined with carved pumpkins, colorful costumes and spooky decorations, while the shops and malls display a wide variety of themed products for the occasion.

Halloween in Peru dates back to foreign cultural influence and fusion with local traditions. As globalization expanded and the media introduced festivities such as Halloween, Peruvians began to become familiar with this Anglo-Saxon celebration.

Over time, this celebration has found its place in Peruvian culture by merging with local festivities. An example is the combination with All Saints' Day, a Catholic holiday that honors the deceased on November 1. This fusion has allowed Halloween to adopt elements of local traditions and become a unique celebration in Peru. In addition, some regions of Peru have ancestral traditions related to life and death, rooted in pre-Hispanic indigenous cultures. During Halloween, influences from these traditions can be observed, reinforcing the connection between life, death and nature in Peruvian celebrations.

As Halloween has become more popular, it has also been commercialized in the country. Stores, malls, and the media actively promote Halloween-related products and events, which has led to an increase in celebrations and community involvement.

Peruvian traditions

Although Halloween has been adapted to Peruvian culture, elements of local traditions can still be found in the celebrations. Some Peruvian families combine the festivity of Halloween with All Saints' Day, an ancient tradition in which the deceased are remembered and honored. During this time, cemeteries are visited to clean and decorate graves, and rituals are performed to honor deceased loved ones. Additionally, in many regions of Peru, especially in rural areas, Andean rituals involving offerings to Pachamama ( Mother Earth ) are performed as part of the Halloween festivities. These traditions highlight the connection between life and death, and the importance of nature in the Peruvian worldview.

Celebrations in the cities

Peruvian cities are also immersed in the fun and spirit of Halloween . In Lima , the capital, numerous thematic events, costume parades and contests are organized. Clubs, bars and restaurants offer special parties with music, dance and activities for all ages. Also, the malls organize events and costume contests for children and adults, providing a fun and safe experience for the whole family.

Peruvian gastronomy is not far behind during Halloween. Restaurants and bakeries offer a wide variety of themed treats, from Halloween-themed cupcakes and cookies to traditional dishes with a festive twist. Desserts such as mazamorra morada and arroz con leche are especially popular during this time, as they are considered traditional for the All Saints' Day festivities and fit in with the Halloween theme.

In addition, as in many parts of the world, safety is promoted in Peru during Halloween celebrations. Parents and adults are advised to supervise children while they are enjoying trick-or-treating, and the use of safe and visible costumes is emphasized during nights out. In addition, the community is encouraged to participate in events organized in safe places and to respect the rules of coexistence and private property.