Halloween has been celebrated in one form or another for over 2,000 years―it dates to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on October 31 with bonfires outside and hearth fires in homes left to burn out as the harvest was gathered. That date was the official year-end, with the new year beginning on November 1.
On Samhain, it was believed that the barriers between the living world and the netherworld weakened, allowing interaction with the dead. Costumes were often worn as disguises, to confuse evil spirits which might be hunting for you.
The word Halloween itself descends to us from Scottish tradition, as a contraction of All Hallows Eve, following Pope Gregory III’s dedication of November 1 as All Saints Day in the 8th century AD (though the original institution of All Saints Day, which was initially May 13, is credited to Pope Boniface IV and dates to the early 7th century AD).
But wherever it comes from, there is no better place to celebrate tradition, history, and the ghostly world than New Orleans. In 2022, Travel & Leisure Magazine honored New Orleans among the “13 Best Places to Celebrate Halloween.” Our beautiful city has everything you need for spooky fun!
And you know we love to decorate – and are great at it!
While many of New Orleans’ Halloween events have passed this year, we have annual ghostly tours, haunted hotels, bars and mansions, the Krewe of Boo parade, and festivities appropriate for all ages from early-October through the day itself.
Still to come this season are:
Witches & Warlocks Mini-Soirée―”An evening cloaked in history, mystery, and celebration.” The event features a costume contest, specialty cocktails, and, of course, food (this is New Orleans!).
Dark Gift ALLIANCE – Bell Epoch Noir―welcoming vampires, witches, fairies, even “humans and their familiars, with supervision.” Live music, much more, plus an open bar!
Harvest Moon Masquerade―Live entertainment, auction, fine dining stations provided by Dickie Brennan & Company. Festive surprises are promised. Come in a costume, or cocktail dress. Lagniappe―proceeds go to Clover’s community service programs.
Halloween Balcony Party―Bourbon Street balcony parties are a French Quarter holiday tradition, and Halloween is a great time to attend one, and watch the spectacle below (the French Quarter on Halloween is super-entertaining, but you might prefer not to be in the thick of it). Costumes aren’t necessary, but strongly encouraged. Just like at Mardi Gras, balcony revelers toss beads to the revelers below; the front line rotates to give everyone a chance.
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl―Starting at 4 PM, tour New Orleans bars, with special drink specials, until 10 PM, and, if you like, attend the after-party until 11:59 PM (Cinderella won’t lose her fairy finery before it ends!). If you’re up for it, the whole thing repeats on All Saints Day.
And of course, you can visit our famous haunted houses and hotels any time of year!
We hope you and your families go all out for it and have a blast! But when trick-or-treating, be careful and aware. Not all the ghouls out there are friendly.
Wishing you all a safe, spooky holiday!
What are your ghostly plans for the day? Please click here to email me directly – it might provide inspiration for future Halloweens.
Until next time –
Peace,
Eric
