As Halloween approaches, there are unique ways to celebrate the season in Europe that go beyond the typical decorations and candy. From Romania to Iceland, these destinations offer a chance to explore local myths, legends, and traditions that have inspired spooky stories throughout history. In Transylvania, Romania, visitors can take part in the Ritual of the Killing of the Living Dead, a traditional burial rite to ensure the passing of spirits known as strigoi. This ritual includes gathering around a ‘strigoi’ in a coffin, passing round the coffin three times with candles, and receiving a priest’s blessing. Tours to experience this ritual are available with companies such as Transylvania Live.
In Ireland, the ancient Celtic traditions of Samhain, which marked the beginning of winter, are still celebrated today as Halloween. County Meath’s Púca Festival offers a chance to explore the folklore and traditions of Samhain, including hearing tales from Irish storytellers and participating in the lighting of the Samhain fire. These traditions, such as wearing masks to ward off evil spirits and carving pumpkins, have evolved into modern-day Halloween customs like trick or treating and pumpkin carving. Visitors to the Púca Festival can immerse themselves in the rich history and folklore of Ireland.
In Italy, the town of Borgo a Mozzano hosts a Halloween Festa by Satan’s bridge, the Ponte della Maddalena. Legend has it that the bridge was completed with the help of a pact made with the devil. The Halloween Festa features a town-wide procession that pays homage to the tale of Lucida Mansi, a noblewoman who is said to have killed her lovers by throwing them into a pit of spikes. This event offers an immersive experience into Italian folklore and traditions, with free entry for all who dare to attend.
The Black Forest in Germany is another eerie destination for Halloween enthusiasts, with its dense woods that inspired the dark tales of the Brothers Grimm. Visitors can explore the forest with local guides who share spooky stories of witches, werewolves, and the headless horseman said to ride among the trees for eternity. The Black Forest offers a chance to curate one’s collection of myths and legends as they delve into the haunting atmosphere of the woods.
Iceland is known for its strong tradition of folklore and storytelling, with tales of elves, trolls, and ghosts passed down through the ages. Visitors can listen to traditional ghost stories at the Ghost Center in Stokkseyri or marvel at rock formations said to be petrified trolls turned into stone by the sunlight. The southern coast of Iceland near Vík í Mýrda is home to the Troll Rocks, which are believed to be inhabited by trolls who hide during the day and lure unsuspecting humans into their caves at night. Exploring Iceland’s folklore and landscapes offers a unique Halloween experience filled with eerie encounters and chilling tales.
