Halloween

Halloween in United Kingdom, for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020.

United Kingdom	2018	2019	2020
Halloween	Wednesday 31st October	Thursday 31st October	Saturday 31st October

Halloween

Halloween is a festivity annually celebrated on October 31. A contraction of the expression "All Hallows' Evening", Halloween is also known as All Hallows' Eve or All Saint's Eve - the evening before the Christian celebration of All Hallows' Day dedicated to remembering the dead. Although Halloween has become a very popular festivity, the 31st October is not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom.

The origins of Halloween

All Hallows Eve is rooted in pagan Celtic harvest festivals which were held around the end of October across the UK. It was common belief that on October 31 - the day before All Hallows Day - the spirits of the dead would come back to haunt the living. Thus, on the 31st October people would carve lanterns out of vegetables such as pumpkins and turnips to protect their homes and dress up in costumes to avoid being harmed by the 'evil' spirits. October 31 is also called Bob Apple Night or Duck Apple Night since people used to gather and play the traditional "apple bobbing" or "apple ducking" game. Other common expressions regarding the 31st October include Apple and Candle Night.

Halloween in the United Kingdom

While some October 31 customs have its roots in the UK, others originated in the US and are now very popular in the UK. On the 31st October some people attend parties wearing costumes. These parties may be private or in clubs and venues and people usually dress up as scary figures. In the evening of October 31 it is also common for families and friends to gather and watch horror films (cinemas usually sell out on the 31st October). October 31 has become a very important holiday for children. While some dress up and go trick-or-treating on the 31st October, others attend private parties.