Do They Celebrate Halloween in Paris France?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning to visit Paris during Halloween season and wondering if the French celebrate this spooky holiday? The answer is yes, but with a few cultural differences.

Halloween in France

Unlike in the United States, where Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday with costumes and candy for children and adults alike, Halloween in France is still relatively new. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Halloween began to gain popularity in France, and even now it’s mostly celebrated by younger generations.

Celebrations in Paris

Parisians celebrate Halloween, but not to the extent of Americans. You won’t see trick-or-treaters going door-to-door or houses decorated with jack-o-lanterns. However, there are still plenty of ways to experience the holiday spirit while visiting Paris.

Costumes

If you’re looking to dress up for Halloween while in Paris, you’ll want to head to one of the many costume shops around the city. You’ll find everything from spooky masks and wigs to full-on costumes.

Parties

Halloween parties have become increasingly popular among young Parisians. Clubs and bars often host costume parties on or around October 31st. These events can be a fun way to experience the holiday spirit while also experiencing Parisian nightlife.

Food

While there aren’t any traditional Halloween dishes in France, many bakeries and patisseries offer special treats during the season. Look out for pumpkin-flavored pastries or macarons shaped like ghosts or bats.

Day of the Dead

In addition to Halloween, France also celebrates “La Toussaint” (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st and “La Fête des Morts” (Day of the Dead) on November 2nd. These holidays are more somber than Halloween and are a time to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away.

  • On All Saints’ Day, many people visit cemeteries to place flowers on the graves of their loved ones.
  • On the Day of the Dead, it’s traditional to make an “ofrenda” (altar) with photos and favorite foods of the deceased.

In Conclusion

While Halloween in Paris may not be as widely celebrated as in other parts of the world, there are still plenty of ways to experience the holiday spirit while visiting. Whether it’s dressing up for a costume party or trying a spooky pastry at a local bakery, you’re sure to find something fun and festive during this time of year. And if you’re interested in experiencing French culture during this season, be sure to check out All Saints’ Day and Day of the Dead celebrations as well.