The Origins Of Halloween In Canada And How It Is Celebrated Today?

The origins of Halloween in Canada date back to the 1800s, when Irish and Scottish immigrants arrived in large numbers and brought this tradition with them. However, the first recorded event in which children were dressed up for Halloween was recorded in Vancouver, BC, in 1898 – this was also the first such event in all of North America.

Today, Halloween is more of a secular event, but it has Christian as well as pre-Christin pagan religious roots in its history. Although it is debatable, many argue that Halloween originated partly in Christianity through All Saints’ Day, a feast day that honours all the saints or hallows of the church. This tradition was established in May 609 – 610 AD by Boniface IV, when he declared the Roman Pantheon (in Rome Italy) as sacred and associated it with the Virgin Mary and all martyrs. Over the next few centuries, this day was fixed for November 1^st and continued to be celebrated in most Catholic churches in different countries.

However, the origins of Halloween are likely derived from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was observed in Britain and Ireland on November 1^st to mark the end of harvest and the beginning of the winter. Early Celts believed that October 31^st divides the light and the dark halves of the year, and thus this was the time when the forces of good and evil come very close to each other. They believed bad spirits and the souls of the dead visited the living at this time, and to ward them off, they used to sacrifice, cook meals, and disguise themselves. Some argue that early Christians appropriated these pagan traditions to convert them to Christianity.

How Popular Is Halloween In Canada?

Halloween is celebrated on October 31^st every year, and its commercial success in Canada can be gauged with the fact that it is the second most commercially successful tradition after Christmas. Last year, Canadians spent over $1.8 billion just on the retail purchases of candy, snacks, and other such items related to Halloween, according to Statistics Canada.

This year, Canadians are expected to spend more on Halloween compared to last year, despite facing tough economic challenges. This year, 53% of Canadians reported that they are planning to celebrate Halloween, while 83% of them said that they will spend the same or more than last year, according to a survey by the Retail Council of Canada.

Halloween at ABM College

Halloween at ABM College was a week filled with excitement and creativity, bringing all the staff together to celebrate the spooky season. The festivities kicked off with a delightful pumpkin carving and painting event, where staff members showcased their artistic talents by transforming ordinary pumpkins into unique masterpieces. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as participants shared joy, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and fun.

Following the pumpkin festivities, the college hosted a Halloween costume contest that encouraged ABM teammates to express their creativity and individuality. From classic ghouls and goblins to imaginative characters and pop culture icons, the costumes were a testament to the staff’s enthusiasm and spirit. The week culminated in a festive gathering where everyone came together to admire the carved pumpkins and celebrate the creativity displayed throughout the week.

This Halloween celebration not only provided a break from the work routines but also fostered a sense of community among staff members, making it a memorable experience for all. At ABM College, Halloween is not just a day; it’s an opportunity to bond, create, and enjoy the lighter side of work life. We look forward to more celebrations that bring our community together in the future!

Here is a list of events that you can attend this Halloween night in Calgary.

Calgary Halloween Thriller

Join thousands of partygoers from across Calgary at one of the biggest Halloween parties in the city.

Date and time: Thu, Oct 31, 2024, 10:00 p.m. – Fri, Nov 1, 2024, 3:00 a.m. MDT.

Location: The Back Alley, 4630 Macleod Trail Calgary.

Cost: $25.50 – 37.53.

Goosebumps & Goth

Slip into your darkest attire and dance to the eerie, rhythmic beats of Berlin minimalistic techno spun by DJs Maxwell Smith, Cassafran, and Öpus. The night will feature goth-inspired cocktails crafted with the smooth elegance of Grey Goose and delectable bumps of caviar to elevate your experience.

Date and time: Fri, Nov 1, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – Sat, Nov 2, 2024, 2:00 a.m. MDT.

Location: Untitled Champagne Lounge, #104 – 620, 8 Ave SW, Calgary.

Cost: $17.31 – 22.63.

Halloween Comedy Extravaganza

A great amount of fun to laugh while being scared and make new frightening friends.

Date and time: Thursday, October 31 – doors at 5:45 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. MDT.

Location: Dog and Duck Pub, 5340 – 2 Street SW, Calgary.

Cost: From $16.94.

Haunted Happenings October 31^st

Get ready for Haunted Happenings at The Hidden Spot.

Date and time: Thu, Oct 31, 2024, 8:00 p.m. – Fri, Nov 1, 2024, 2:00 a.m. MDT.

Location: Hidden Spot Entertainment and Arcade Bar, 2323, 32 Avenue Northeast #125, Calgary.

Cost: $17.31.

Trick or Treat Trail in Inglewood

You can join for a spooktacular Trick or Treat Trail in Inglewood – grab your candy bags and get ready for a fun-filled Halloween adventure.

Date and time: Thu, Oct 31, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. MDT.

Location: 9 Avenue Southeast Calgary.

Cost: Free; reserve a spot.

Conclusion

Halloween has been part of the Canadian culture for centuries now, and with every passing decade, its impact is growing from strength to strength. Wherever you are and how ever you want to celebrate this tradition, we wish you a happy Halloween!

Picture Credits: ABM, Freepik.