Australians have embraced the spirit of Halloween, making it one of the most awaited events on the calendar. In fact, such is the growing level of enthusiasm for participation,dressing up in creative outfits or adding spooky decorations to their homes, Aussies are tipped to spend around AU $490 million on the event in 2023.
That’s a scary amount of cash when you think about it, but given that Halloween has become a truly global phenomenon, the people Down Under now get just as excited about this frighteningly festive celebration. But what kind of activities will they be enjoying most of all? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular.
Trick-or-Treating
One of the quintessential Halloween traditions, trick-or-treating that has found its way into the hearts of Australians. Children and even some adults dress up in costumes and visit homes in their neighbourhood, uttering the famous “trick or treat” phrase to receive candies and other treats. It's a delightful way to engage with the community and celebrate Halloween with a sense of camaraderie.
Themed GamesAiming to bewitch and entertain during the Halloween period, Aussie gaming sites often roll out plenty of themed games across various platforms. These include the growing selection of exciting
real money casinos, joining in on the fun with intriguing pokies based on horror movies or classic ghost stories, among many others. At some of the best sites, live dealer card games even feature croupiers dressed up in special costumes.
Halloween Decorations
Australians have become quite creative with their Halloween decorations. Houses are adorned with spooky themes, including jack-o'-lanterns, witches, ghosts, cobwebs, and eerie lighting. Many neighbourhoods host decoration competitions, inspiring residents to go all out with their displays, turning suburban streets into haunted spectacles.
Costume Parties
Costume parties are another popular Halloween activity in Australia. Whether it's a gathering of friends, neighbourhood or community event, perhaps even a corporate Halloween party, Australians love to dress up in a variety of costumes. The creativity and diversity of costumes are a testament to the enthusiasm with which Halloween is celebrated Down Under.
Pumpkin Carving
Carving out decorative pumpkins has also become a cherished Halloween tradition in
Australia, just as it has elsewhere around the world. Families and friends gather to carve
intricate and spooky designs into pumpkins, turning them into jack-o'-lanterns. It's a fun
and artistic way to get into the Halloween spirit, and it's a great activity for both kids
and adults.
Horror Movie Nights
Horror movie nights are a thrilling Halloween activity in Australia. Many people gather
to watch classic and contemporary horror movies, creating a spine-tingling atmosphere.
It's a great way to share the scares and have a good time with friends. In fact, Aussies
have a strong
affinity for horror movies. 2014 release The Babadook was a global
success, while Bloody Hell in 2020 was as gory as they come.
Haunted Houses and Mazes
Pop-up haunted houses and mazes have become increasingly popular during Halloween
in Australia. These attractions provide a real-life horror experience, complete with creepy actors, special effects, and heart-pounding suspense. They are perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush and a good scream during the Halloween season.
Halloween Parades
Halloween parades are a relatively recent addition to the Australian Halloween scene, but they are gaining popularity quickly. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne host vibrant and colourful parades, with participants showcasing their creative costumes and artistic expressions. These parades bring the community together and add a festive touch to the Halloween celebrations.
Ghost Tours
Australia's rich and diverse cultural history, combined with its spooky landscapes and legends, makes it the perfect setting for ghost tours. Many cities and towns offer guided tours of allegedly haunted locations, providing participants with spine-tingling stories and encounters with the supernatural. Ghost tours are a unique way to experience Halloween and Australia's own brand of eerie tales.
Halloween Food and Treats
Halloween is not complete without special Halloween-themed treats. Australians enjoy baking and preparing
creepy and creative dishes, such as ghost-shaped cookies, spider cupcakes, and mummy hot dogs. It's an opportunity to let culinary creativity run wild and indulge in tasty, themed delights. And lest we forget, the pulp from those carved out pumpkins can also be turned into tasty treats.
Conclusion
Halloween in Australia has evolved from a relatively unknown holiday to a widely celebrated occasion, capturing the imagination and creativity of all ages and generations. From the traditional activities like trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving to the more contemporary events like haunted houses and themed gaming, Australianshave fully embraced the spirit of this unique annual event.
