Halloween in Malta: 9 things to know about its origins, customs & how to celebrate
It’s Halloween! Get your ghoulish costumes ready and bags of treats! But, how much do you really know about this festival? Here are some interesting facts about Halloween to get you more in the spirit of things - pun intended.
1. Pagan roots of Halloween
The festival is widely accepted to have pagan roots. Halloween traditions originated from the ancient Celtic harvest festival of Samhain.
2. Christian roots of Halloween
The pagan festival of Samhain was Christianised by the early Church. The festival falls on the eve of the Christian feast of All Hallows' Day, and thus became known as All Hallows' Eve, Allhalloween, Halloween or Hallowe'en.
3. About the original pagan festival
The original Gaelic festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the darker half of the year. Traditionally celebrated from the sunset of 31 October, it lies halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice.
4. The original belief
The Celts’ new day began at sunset and the new year at the beginning of the darker half of the year. On this particular night, it was believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred and the ghosts of the dead could return to earth.
5. The origins of Halloween costumes
Now here’s an interesting fact. Rather than ‘celebrating’ death and fear, as it is commonly believed, traditionally, Halloween costumes were worn to blend in with or frighten any supernatural beings.
6. The origins of ‘trick or treat’
People dressed up as ghosts and demons and danced around a bonfire. Treats were given to appease the evil spirits. This practice, known as mumming, dates back to the Middle Ages and is probably the origin of ‘trick or treating’.
7. Halloween controversy in Malta
Halloween began to gain popularity in Malta only in the last decade, mainly due to commercial Halloween costume parties. In 2011, flyers allegedly by the church were circulating to not to take part in Halloween celebrations because it is a feast that celebrates fear and death and goes against the Christian tradition. The Church denied printing such fliers after there was a stir on social media.
8. Halloween celebrations in Malta
In Malta, the celebration of Halloween is centred around the towns of Swieqi and Pembroke in events supported by the local councils. Thousands of costumed children from all over the island swarm the neighbourhoods to go trick or treating. In 2018, the Haunted House Experience included sixty actors, hundreds of props and no shortage of fake blood, while the Luxol car park was transformed into a terrifying Haunted Halloween experience. Not sure where to go? Here are some great events to check out.
9. Halloween for adults
Just like the Haunted House and Haunted Halloween experience thrilled young and old last year, Swieqi and Pembroke no doubt have something to terrify everyone this year once again. For those who want to party, all the nightclubs organise their own Halloween event. Wearing a gory costume continues to gain popularity among adults - it’s even better than carnival!
Are you dressing up to keep the ghouls away this Halloween?