Mumbai, October 27th 2016: There's nothing quite like a festive neighbourhood gathering to embrace the Halloween spirit. But some cities around the world truly go above and beyond with Halloween celebrations that will surely leave you spellbound.
Halloween has emerged as a cultural phenomenon and the celebrations at these destinations every year is a testament to the fun and freewheeling spirit of the holiday.
Since this year, Halloween falls on the long Diwali weekend in India, it provides working professionals an excellent opportunity to take a break from their mundane jobs and regular chores and spend some quality time with their loved ones at one of the top 5 destinations recommended by Hotels.com.
Top 5 destinations to experience Halloween celebrations
1. Mexico
The small island of Janitzio holds elaborate Day of the Dead rituals. There are processions and music, folk dances are performed and families gather in the cemetery to spend the night chanting and singing. Perhaps the most impressive sight is the fishermen in their rowboats with torches lighting up the lake.
Hotel recommendation:
Hotel Mision Patzcuaro – Patzcuaro 3.5 stars
INR 2,082 per room per night
2. Ireland
Halloween originated in Ireland and is known as ‘Samhain Night’. The medieval Irish festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest, bringing shorter days and the “darker half” of the year. It is linked to the dead revisiting the mortal world, large communal bonfires and associated lore. The largest organised Halloween celebration in Ireland is the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival in Derry City, from October 25 to November 2.
Hotel recommendation:
The City Hotel Derry – Londonderry 4 stars
INR 4799 per room per night
3. USA
Salem, Massachusetts, the town famed for witch hunting, fear of the evil eye and general sin phobia hosts a Halloween party to die for. The town celebrates Salem’s festival of the dead. The Salem Witches’ Ball is a highlight of the festival.
Hotel recommendation:
Extended Stay America - Boston - Peabody – Peabody 2.5 stars
INR 14, 696 per room per night
Anoka, Minnesota, the self-proclaimed “Halloween Capital of the World”, celebrates the holiday with a large civic parade and several other city-wide events.
Hotel recommendation:
Regency Inn and Suites, Anoka 2.5 stars
INR 4325 per room per night
Chicago Halloween events include Chicagoween, the Spooky Zoo Spectacular, and the Haunted Sanitarium.
Hotel recommendation:
Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop 4 stars
INR 22,565 per room per night
Los Angeles, the USA’s entertainment capital is crawling with Halloween events and festivities. Of particular note are the Adults Only Halloween Party and the Day of the Dead Celebration, which draws on LA’s long-standing Mexican heritage.
Hotel recommendation:
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport 3.5 stars
INR 11, 244
4. London
London Ghost Walk - Visit graveyards and famous murder sites on an after-dark ghost walk with the author of Haunted London, Richard Jones. The capital’s sinister history comes alive at the site of Sir William Wallace (the real-life Braveheart) execution in the 14th-century, and an old churchyard said to be haunted by the ghostly figure of Queen Isabella, known as the She-Wolf of France.
The London Dungeons - The London Dungeons is a great Halloween visit, with their dedicated programme and ‘Master of Tricks’ entertainer all geared up to deliver frights and mischief.
The London Eye - The London Eye, has dress up events for kids over the Halloween period, with special story telling experiences also available.
Hotel recommendation:
The Westbourne Hyde Park 4 stars
INR 13,053 per room per night
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known as the Halloween party capital of Asia. You may visit the two theme parks – Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, to enjoy the atmosphere and the excitement in a wide range of haunted houses. For party lovers, Lan Kwai Fong is the must-go destination, which famously throws Halloween parties every year.
Hotel recommendation:
Mini Hotel Central - Hong Kong 3 stars
INR 9, 902 per room per night
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