Spooky Tales and Sacred Traditions: Halloween Around the World

When you think of Halloween, your mind probably goes straight to trick-or-treating, over-the-top costumes, and enough candy to fuel a small sugar-powered rocket. But that’s what it looks like in America… what happens when you’re in a different corner of the world during spooky season? Let’s just say, Halloween is a little different depending on where you go — and sometimes it’s not even called Halloween. 

From Iceland’s legendary Yule Cat to Peru’s heartfelt tributes to the dead, Italy’s blend of spooky fun and saintly traditions and Panama’s mix of both spooky and sacred, we’re diving into some truly unique Halloween-style celebrations. Grab your broomstick (and your passport).

Iceland: Beware of the Yule Cat — The Real Star of Spooky Season

Iceland — the land of fire, ice, and… a gigantic, man-eating cat? While Halloween isn’t traditionally Iceland’s big spooky celebration (though they’re totally starting to love American Halloween in Reykjavik), Icelanders have plenty of spooky legends to make up for it. 

One of the creepiest characters in Icelandic folklore is the Yule Cat (or Jólakötturinn), a monstrous feline who roams the snowy countryside during the Christmas season. But hey, when the Halloween spirit’s a little low, why not borrow a terrifying tale from another holiday?

According to legend, The Yule Cat is a giant beast with a serious attitude, especially toward those who are a little, well, fashionably late with their new clothes. 

In Icelandic tradition, if you don’t receive new clothes before Christmas Eve, the Yule Cat might just eat you. Yeah, you read that right — forget haunted houses; in Iceland, there’s a cat lurking around waiting to pounce on those who don’t update their wardrobe in time. “Dress to impress” — or to save your life.

You’ll still find Halloween parties popping up in Reykjavik. Expect costumes that range from playful to downright bizarre, and don’t be surprised if someone shows up dressed as the Yule Cat itself. After all, what’s scarier than a giant, man-eating feline waiting to pounce on you for wearing last year’s sweater? We’ll be heading to Iceland next October if you want to start prepping your cat costume.  

Peru and Panama: Día de los Muertos and Cemetery Picnics With a Twist

Next stop, Peru (our next trip is May 2025 but we have a group there right now so you can watch it all unfold on social!), where Halloween takes a backseat to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) — a heartwarming celebration of ancestors that’s all about family, food, and keeping spirits happy. Halloween parties pop up in cities like Lima, but the real fun happens on November 1st and 2nd, during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Instead of haunted houses and candy corn, Peruvians visit cemeteries to honor their ancestors with offerings of food, flowers, and candles. Picture a family reunion — but in a cemetery, and with way better snacks. You’ll see families enjoying full-on picnics right next to their loved ones’ graves, sharing stories, and maybe even embarrassing family moments. It’s less spooky and more celebratory, with the spirits of loved ones thought to come back for a visit.

If you’re thinking that all sounds way too wholesome for Halloween, don’t worry, there’s a bit of a spook factor, too. It’s said that the spirits come back to visit during Día de los Muertos, so really, you’re never quite sure who might be joining the party.

Panama shares a similar blend of traditions with Peru. Halloween in Panama is popular with the younger generation, who are all about spooky costumes and haunted houses. But much like Peru, the focus shifts on November 2nd to Día de los Difuntos.

In Panama, and many Latin American countries, families also gather in cemeteries to honor their ancestors, clean and decorate graves, and offer up prayers. Though Panama’s Halloween is more influenced by modern festivities, the respect for the dead and family ties remains at the heart of it all. We’ll be in Panama the second and third weeks of November if you want to get a head start on learning the tradition before next year.  

Italy: Where Halloween and Saintly Traditions Are a Perfect Pairing

Now, let’s hop over to Italy, where Halloween is… well, let’s say it’s still a bit of a lowkey occasion. But don’t worry — the Italians are all about good food and festivities, so they’ve found their own way to celebrate, Italian style. 

Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, isn’t as ingrained in the culture as it is in America, but you can still find costume parties, spooky events, and even a little trick-or-treating (or as the Italians call it, “Dolcetto o Scherzetto,” which, let’s be honest, sounds way cooler). We’ve got a trip to Italy on the books for October 2025 that includes Halloween, so you can see for yourself! 

When you think of Halloween in Italy, it’s hard not to focus on Sicily. Here, the festivities take on a unique flair that blends both ancient traditions and modern celebrations. While Sicilians have embraced Halloween with open arms (and plenty of pasta), they also have their unique customs. As the sun sets on October 31st, you might see kids dressing up in costumes ranging from witches to classic monsters, roaming the streets in search of sweet treats. 

The real fun happens when Sicilian families gather for a meal that could rival a Thanksgiving feast. On the night of October 31st, families whip up traditional dishes while preparing for the festivities of Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st. Some Sicilian towns even hold special Halloween-themed events, complete with haunted houses, spooky markets, and themed parties that make you feel like you’ve stepped right into a horror film.

The show happens on November 1st and 2nd with Il Giorno dei Morti (Day of the Dead). This is when Italians pay tribute to saints and the deceased. Forget candy bars and plastic skeletons — Italians visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones, leaving flowers, candles, and even little gifts. And of course, since this is Italy, food is involved. On November 2nd in Sicily, kids wake up to find gifts left by the spirits of their ancestors — kind of like Halloween meets Christmas, but with a spookier twist.

And because Italians know how to celebrate in style, they’ve got special sweets for the occasion too. Ever tried fave dei morti? These cookies are made to honor the dead, and yes, they’re delicious. You’ll also find people enjoying chestnuts and other traditional goodies, all while casually reflecting on the meaning of life and death. It’s Halloween but with more depth and way better snacks.

Wrapping Up Our Spooky, Sweet, and Slightly Bizarre Tour