Halloween Traditions in the U.S.

By Shaista Gill Alyas ~ Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Foot of the Cross

Halloween in the U.S. has some very distinct traditions that make the holiday special. Here are a few of the most popular ones I gleaned from some articles:

Costume Parties: One of the best parts of Halloween is the chance to become anyone or anything you want for a night. Costumes can range from superheroes to scary monsters, to anything creative or funny. For many adults, Halloween parties are a chance to socialize, show off their costumes, and enjoy themed treats and drinks.

Pumpkin Carving: Carving pumpkins, or making “jack-o’-lanterns,” is a classic Halloween activity. People carve scary or silly faces into pumpkins and place candles inside to light them up at night. Walking down our street, we saw many carved pumpkins on people’s doorsteps.

Haunted Houses and Scary Movies: In our neighborhood, I observed many houses with Halloween decorations. Many people watch scary movies, and as a community, we watched “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” I loved that movie and enjoyed it a lot with my companions.

My First Halloween in the USA

My name is Shaista Alyas. I am from Pakistan. I have been living in the United States since March 2024. This year, I got to experience my first Halloween in the States. We celebrated in Chicago at the Franciscan’s house and it was unforgettable! I went all out with my costume, and it was so exciting to be part of a tradition I’d mostly seen in movies. Here’s a little snapshot of what made the night so special:

 • The Costume: I put together a fun costume and loved seeing everyone else’s creative outfits, too. From classic monsters to pop culture characters, it felt like everyone was fully invested in bringing Halloween to life.

 • The Decorations: I couldn’t believe the effort the Franciscans put into decorating their houses! Walking through neighborhoods filled with spooky scenes, glowing pumpkins, and animatronic ghosts was amazing. Some houses had full-blown haunted displays, with cobwebs, skeletons, and eerie lights. It showed me how much Americans embrace Halloween as a community event.

 • The Party: I also attended my first Halloween party, in Racine with other Novices where everyone was in costume, and the atmosphere was electric! The food, music, and even the games were Halloween-themed, making it a night to remember. We were so friendly and excited to share the holiday experience, and I felt like I was part of something truly unique. We hosted an incredible Halloween party with our fellow Novices. It was a fantastic experience filled with great moments and lots of fun. We dressed up as characters from the exciting new movie, Inside Out, and made an impression!