subject: Halloween In The States [print this page] Halloween is one of those random holidays that Americans invented to scare you as a little child. No, just kidding, actually, it is dated back to the celebration of the Celts New Year, Samhain, where they would celebrate the end of the summer. Back in their days, this season which is between Summer and Winter, was a time that belonged neither to the old nor the new year and in some way was considered as an opening for the dead to reappear and visit the living. The Celts did not fear their dead and left food on their table as a sign of. In fact, the word Halloween comes from 'All allows even', meaning 'the night when everything is permitted, including the dead leaving their graves to visit the living.
In the States, the day of the haunted is October 31st and every year children and adults celebrate it by dressing up in scary or eccentric costumes and parading around the city. As children, they go from house to house saying Trick or Treat and getting candy in return. The Jack-o-Lantern, a carved pumpkin, is the symbol of Halloween and many homes will have these on the doorstep lit up with a candle to show the Halloween spirit. It is not uncommon to find ghost tours, haunted houses, Halloween parades and Halloween parties throughout the States. Its a time where you can dress up as anything, from a sexy nurse to the President, all in good fun!
Small towns and big cities celebrate in the same way, but the night of October 31st is unforgettable if you've never experienced it before. If youre worried about spending lots on costumes, not to worry, there are seasonal stores that sell cheap costumes of all shapes and sizes in every major city, so you can decide last minute and spend under US$30 for a unique costume. But the most fun is in making a homemade costume with crazy makeup and household items. That will get your hostel friends guessing!
Here are HostelsClubs choices of best cities and hostels to celebrate Halloween:
Chicago
Every neighborhood in Chicago will have their own parade, but the largest one is in North Halstead where you can sign up for free and possibly win a cash prize at the costume contest! Thousands attend every year. Stay at the Chicago Getaway Hostel which is just a few train stops away and has recently been completely renovated top to bottom and has a grilling area, a baby grand piano, an elevator and free breakfast!
New York City
This city will be cold, but the action will keep you warm. Enjoy the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade on Spring Street to 21st Street along 6th Avenue where you can entertain yourself by watching the thousands of freaky and outrageous outfits amongst the very interesting shops and great restaurants in Greenwich Village. The Jane hotel is a unique accommodation since it offers rooms arranged as if youre in a train cabin! However a quick train ride away is the Times Square Hostel where you can be in the center of the city just a few blocks from the Theatre District. The Halloween parties will be non-stop and in most bars, so you wont have to go far to find fun!
Los Angeles
Unless you are invited to some super-spectacular private party, the Gay Halloween Parade in West Hollywood is the best place to be. It all happens on Santa Monica Blvd. (yes, it's pedestrians only and best idea since parking is a nightmare) between La Cienega and Doheny from 6pm to midnight or later: Music, food- and drink stalls, live bands, costume contests, and all sorts of crazy people to watch. Book at bed at Orbit Hotel&Hostel or Banana Bungalow West Hollywood which are both located in the famous Melrose Strip, bordering Beverly Hills, so you can see what real Hollywood and LA life is about for cheap!
Miami
Looking for warmer weather so you can try your sexy schoolgirl outfit? Well, Miami allows you to dress skimpy all year long, but you can go the extra mile in South Beach. Lincoln Road is the place to be and get some drinks while costume watching. Stay at Marseilles Beachfront Hotel or Jazz on South Beach that are right on Collins Road which is beachfront and intersects Lincoln Road, which is full of great shopping, trendy restaurants and lounges.
Washington D.C.
In the nations capital not even the President can stop the partying on Halloween night. Visit Georgetown which is located on the Potomac River with numerous bars and enjoy the Halloween Parade and festivities on M Street. Hostelling International DC Hostelling International DC has cheap beds and great facilities including free breakfast and pool tables, but another top choice is International Student Center DC which is located in Adams Morgan, the hippest part of town with funky bars and young crowds all night long every night.
