NewsIMTSFifteen towns worldwide are known for their unique Halloween celebrations. Salem hosts a month-long 'Haunted Happenings' with witch trial reenactments and parades. Anoka in Minnesota, officially recognised as the 'Halloween Capital of the World' by the US Congress in 1937, has celebrated with parades since 1920. Sleepy Hollow transforms with haunted hayrides and lantern tours through old cemeteries. Other notable locations include West Hollywood's Halloween Carnival, New Orleans with its voodoo-themed celebrations, Derry's Banks of the Foyle Carnival, and Romania's Bran Castle. Edinburgh hosts the Samhuinn Fire Festival with flaming torches, while London offers haunted pub crawls. Mexico City celebrates Día de los Muertos with colourful altars and skull masks. Venice, Prague, Tokyo, Dublin, and San Francisco complete the list of spooky destinations. To experience these Halloween traditions, visitors can explore haunted castles in Europe or join vibrant parades in America. (Updated 30 Oct 2025, 13:24 IST; source: link)
Famous Halloween Towns in America
Several American towns transform completely during Halloween season. Salem, Massachusetts becomes a hub of witch-themed activities with its month-long 'Haunted Happenings' festival featuring historical reenactments of the infamous witch trials. Anoka in Minnesota proudly holds the title of 'Halloween Capital of the World' since 1937 and has been organizing Halloween parades since 1920. Sleepy Hollow in New York, made famous by Washington Irving's headless horseman tale, offers haunted hayrides and lantern-lit cemetery tours. New Orleans adds its unique voodoo culture to Halloween celebrations, while West Hollywood hosts a massive carnival parade drawing thousands of costumed participants.
Global Halloween Celebrations Beyond America
Halloween traditions extend far beyond American borders with unique cultural twists. In Europe, Romania's Bran Castle (linked to the Dracula legend) attracts visitors seeking vampire lore. Edinburgh celebrates with the ancient Samhuinn Fire Festival where performers carry flaming torches through the city. London offers spooky pub crawls through reportedly haunted historical establishments. Mexico City transforms Halloween into Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with colorful skull masks and memorial altars. Other notable Halloween destinations include Dublin with its Celtic Samhain roots, Venice with its masked celebrations, Tokyo's cosplay-influenced festivities, and Prague's gothic architecture providing a naturally eerie backdrop.
Key Points
- Salem hosts a month-long 'Haunted Happenings' with witch trial reenactments and parades.
- Anoka in Minnesota, officially recognised as the 'Halloween Capital of the World' by the US Congress in 1937, has celebrated with parades since 1920.
- Other notable locations include West Hollywood's Halloween Carnival, New Orleans with its voodoo-themed celebrations, Derry's Banks of the Foyle Carnival, and Romania's Bran Castle.