In
the US, Halloween is a fun holiday centered around costumes, horror
movies, and candy. Countries around the world celebrate either Halloween
or other holidays commemorating the spirits of the dead, because the
end of the growing season in autumn reminds us of our own mortality.
Some of those traditions are a bit like the American Halloween, such as
the Kawasaki Halloween Parade in Japan.
At the
end of every October for the past 21 years, nearly 4000 costumed
Halloween enthusiasts from all around the world have gathered in
Kawasaki, just outside Tokyo, for the Kawasaki Halloween Parade, which
is the biggest parade of its kind in Japan. However, not everyone can
simply join in the festivities. The Kawasaki Halloween Parade has strict
guidelines and standards, so you have to apply for entry two months
before the parade begins.
While the party aspect of
Halloween is spreading, many places mark holidays that are more somber,
or even religious, as they pay respect to the departed. Read about
the widely-varying traditions of Halloween or Halloween-like holidays at Mental Floss.
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