Are you curious about how Halloween is celebrated in France? Grab your pumpkin spice latte, put on your favourite costume, and join me as we dive into French Halloween traditions. From spooky decorations to scrumptious treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in France!
Where does Halloween originate from?
The origins of Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, are rooted in Celtic traditions. It traces back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the harvest season. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. They celebrated Samhain by lighting bonfires and wearing costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. As the centuries went by, the influence of Christianity spread, and Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day to honour saints and martyrs. The evening before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which eventually transformed into Halloween.
Halloween is hugely celebrated in the United States. This comes from the Irish immigrants who moved there in the 19th century. They took their Halloween customs to North America, which involved wearing costumes, going door-to-door for food and money, and playing tricks on Halloween night. Over time, Halloween evolved to include various traditions and customs, such as carving pumpkins and going trick and treating. It has now become a widely celebrated holiday worldwide.
Halloween in France
As with many countries, Halloween in France is a time of fun and festivities, especially for younger generations. You’ll find homes and shop windows adorned with spooky decorations, including carved pumpkins, skeletons, and spider webs. In some parts of France, the streets come alive on October 31st with children dressed up in costumes, excitedly going from door to door, shouting, “Des bonbons ou un sort!” (Trick or treat!). However, it’s important to note that Halloween is not as widely celebrated as other holidays in France, so this may not be seen where you are. I have never seen anyone trick or treating where we are in Dordogne.
In France, the celebration of Halloween extends beyond just scary costumes and candies. French people often throw Halloween parties, known as “Soirées d’Halloween” or “Fête des Sorcières”, where friends and family gather to enjoy spooky-themed games, music, and festive cocktails. One popular tradition at these parties is the “Chasse aux bonbons” (Candy hunt), where children search for hidden treats in the garden or house. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional American trick-or-treating.
If you visit theme parks over the Halloween period, you will surely find some Halloween festivities. Parc Asterix, Disneyland Paris and Futuroscope all have plenty of Halloween spirit. When we visited Futuroscope at Halloween, many visitors dressed up, celebrating Halloween and la fête des morts.
All Saints Day in France
November 1st is a bank holiday in France to celebrate All Saints Day. All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint), also called All Hallows’ Day, is a Christian and Catholic holiday observed to honour all the saints of the Church, whether they are recognised or anonymous. In France, it is commemorated as a means to remember the deceased. Families throughout the country take advantage of this national holiday to come together in cemeteries, where they can pay tribute and show respect to their loved ones.
Halloween treats in France
When it comes to Halloween treats, the French have their own delightful specialities. One iconic Halloween pastry is the “tarte d’automne” (autumn tart), a scrumptious pie made with seasonal fruits, such as apples and pears, and flavoured with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Another mouthwatering treat is the “Marron glacé” (candied chestnut), a popular sweet during Autumn. And, of course, you can’t forget about the French’s love for chocolate. Many patisseries and chocolatiers create Halloween-themed chocolates and treats, making every bite a spooktacular experience.
Halloween in North Dordogne
Many places in Dordogne only advertise their parties locally. You will find leaflets in boulangeries, shops and through schools as they are small rural villages.
However, I know Verteillac has a Halloween celebration every year. The whole village is filled with Halloween decorations. There are two separate Halloween hunts you can take part in, depending on the child’s age. They also give you a raffle ticket for every member of the family who wears a Halloween costume. A winner is picked randomly at the end of the hunt. All children taking part in the hunt get candy at the end, too. For 2023, it is being advertised as Chasse Aux Zombies on the 31st of October.
There’s also a Halloween party being advertised in Perigueux, Filature De L’Isle, on the 28th of October, 2023. For teens, there is a Halloween escape game being advertised at La Chapelle St. Jean de Celles on the 4th of November. There is a Halloween escape game at Marzac Chateau in Tursac suitable from age four from October 21st to 5th November.
Further afield, I have seen a Halloween entertainment evening advertised in Aignes-et-Puyperoux on the 31st of October. The village of Duras is holding a Halloween festival on the 31st of October.
Although Halloween may not be deeply rooted in French culture, it has certainly found its place among the creative and festive traditions of the country. From spooky decorations to exciting parties and delicious treats, France has embraced the essence of Halloween celebrations. Whether you explore the enchanting streets of the bigger cities or the picturesque countryside, don’t forget to join in and celebrate Halloween with the French flair!
