10 fall traditions from around the world

When we think of well-known autumn traditions, many of us imagine Halloween, known for its carved pumpkins, scary movies, and kids in costumes. But around the world, the spooky season is far more than just haunted houses and candy. Across many cultures, this time of year celebrates the harvest season, honors ancestors, and connects people with the autumnal spirit of remembrance and community.

From ancient traditions to vibrant parades, here are ten fascinating ways people celebrate Halloween and other fall traditions this time of year.

1. Halloween in the US and Canada

Costumes, candy, haunted houses — our modern image of Halloween was shaped in North America. There, children in costumes go door to door “trick or treating” to get candy from their neighbors. It’s become a heavily commercialized celebration, but it inspires a mix of community fun and creativity, making it one of the biggest holidays of the year. 

2. Samhain in Ireland 

Considered the precursor to modern-day Halloween, Samhain began thousands of years ago as a Celtic festival marking the end of the summer harvest season. Sunset on October 31st was considered the start of a new year and a time when spirits could visit the living. Many communities in Ireland still honor the tradition as they would have celebrated long ago with costumes, bonfires, music, and gatherings.

3. Día Nacional de la Mascarada Costarricense in Costa Rica 

The last day of October in Costa Rica isn’t Halloween — it’s Día Nacional de la Mascarada Costarricense (“National Day of the Costa Rican Masquerade”). This is when people wear giant papier-mâché masks of mythical figures and fill the streets with music, dance, and performance. Introduced in the 1990s, the festival celebrates Costa Rican identity, creativity, and community spirit.

4. El Día de las Brujas in Spain 

Halloween is often called El Día de las Brujas (“Day of the Witches”) in Spain. In cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Zaragoza, people celebrate with parades and haunted attractions. Schools and theme parks also host spooky events for children. In more rural regions like Galicia, small towns still celebrate in the ancestral way with traditional music, storytelling, and local customs rooted in ancient Celtic heritage.

5. Halloween trains in Japan 

While trick-or-treating isn’t common in Japan, bigger cities like Tokyo and Osaka embrace Halloween on October 31st with huge street parades and costume events. One unique and anticipated event is the Halloween train. People ride the subway in a variety of amazing costumes, transforming ordinary commutes into moving costume parties. This highlights Japan’s love of cosplay, creativity, and community fun.

6. Pchum Ben in Cambodia

Pchum Ben is one of Cambodia’s most sacred and meaningful festivals, which takes place in late September or early October. Rooted in Buddhist tradition, it’s a 15-day event dedicated to honoring ancestors. Families visit temples early in the morning with offerings of rice, fruit, and sweets for previous generations. This is because it’s believed the gates of the spirit world open during this time, allowing souls to return to the earth.

7. Día de los Muertos in Mexico 

Día de los Muertos on November 1st (“Day of the Dead”) is a Mexican tradition that pays tribute to the memories of deceased loved ones. Rooted in ancient Aztec beliefs, it celebrates the idea that the spirits of the departed return to visit the living during this time. Today, families build colorful ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, candles, photos, and the favorite foods of their loved ones to welcome their spirits home. Across Mexico, vibrant parades, traditional music, and beautifully decorated calaveras (sugar skulls) make this one of the most cherished celebrations of the season. 

8. Ognissanti in Italy 

Ognissanti (meaning “All Saints”) on November 1st  is a public holiday in Italy dedicated to honoring saints and departed loved ones. In Sicily, some families leave food out for visiting spirits who are said to bring small gifts for children. In northern and central Italy, bakeries prepare special pastries called ossa dei morti (“bones of the dead”). The day perfectly captures Italy’s gift for turning tradition and remembrance into something family-oriented and full of flavor.

9. Fèt Gede in Haiti 

Every November 1st, the streets of Haiti fill with celebrations for Fèt Gede (“Festival of the Dead”). Originating from Haiti’s Vodou religion, it honors spirits who guard the boundary between life and death. People wear purple, black, and white, light candles, and dance to the rhythm of drums. Celebrations are both respectful and joyful, bringing communities together to recognize previous generations.

10. Chuseok in South Korea

Chuseok (meaning “autumn eve”) is South Korea’s major fall festival. Taking place in September or early October, it’s a time when families gather together to share traditional foods and honor their ancestors through a memorial ritual called charye. Many people travel to their ancestral hometowns, making it one of the country’s busiest holidays. Other activities include dressing up in traditional clothes called hanbok, playing folk games, and performing cultural dances that symbolize unity and gratitude for the harvest.

Halloween and other fall traditions show how cultures around the world mark the season of souls, spirits, and celebration — each in their own unique way.