Paris, France is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. With its stunning architecture, art, fashion, and food, it’s no surprise that people from all over the globe are fascinated by this city. As Halloween approaches, many people wonder if Paris celebrates the holiday in the same way as other countries.
The History of Halloween in France
Halloween is not a traditional holiday in France. In fact, it has only recently gained popularity among French citizens.
However, there are some similar celebrations that take place around the same time as Halloween. For example, November 1st is All Saints’ Day or “La Toussaint” in French. This day is a public holiday where families visit cemeteries to honor their deceased loved ones.
Another similar celebration is “La Fête des Morts,” which takes place on November 2nd. This day is also known as “The Day of the Dead” and is celebrated by some French citizens who follow Mexican traditions.
Halloween Celebrations in Paris
In recent years, Halloween has become more popular among young French people and tourists in Paris. Many nightclubs and bars host costume parties on Halloween night. Some restaurants even offer special menus themed around Halloween.
However, unlike other countries such as the United States or Ireland, trick-or-treating is not a popular activity in Paris. It’s also important to note that Halloween falls during a school break for French students known as “La Toussaint.” Therefore, many families use this time to travel rather than celebrate Halloween.
Alternative Activities for Halloween
If you’re visiting Paris during Halloween and looking for alternative activities to celebrate the holiday, there are plenty of options available. For example:
- Visit Père Lachaise Cemetery – this cemetery houses the graves of many famous individuals such as Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. It’s a perfect place to visit during Halloween time to learn about the history of Paris.
- Take a Ghost Tour – many tour companies offer ghost tours that take you to some of the most haunted places in Paris.
These tours are both informative and spooky.
- Attend a Halloween Show – there are several theaters in Paris that host Halloween-themed shows such as “Le Manoir de Paris” and “Theatre du Funambule. “
In Conclusion
While Halloween isn’t traditionally celebrated in France, it has gained popularity among younger generations and tourists in recent years. If you’re visiting Paris during Halloween, there are plenty of alternative activities available to celebrate the holiday. Whether you choose to attend a costume party, visit a cemetery or take a ghost tour, there’s no shortage of things to do in this beautiful city.