Halloween is a yearly celebration observed in number of countries on October 31st. The time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, Hallows, martyrs, and all the faithful departed believers. It is celebrated with a variety and activities including trick or treating, ghost tours, bonfires, costume parties, “haunted house” tours, carving pumpkins (Jack – o’ – lanterns) and reading or watching scary stories.
Although Halloween is more of a typically Western tradition, many Vietnamese do also celebrate and enjoy Halloween parties. Halloween parties are mostly held at backpacker areas, usually in coffee shops, bars and restaurants. There are many activities for Halloween party but the most popular activity which appears at almost every party is wearing Halloween costumes. At coffee shops scary movies are often played until midnight while bars and restaurants offer appealing Halloween deals with unique Halloween dishes such as blood soup made by tomato and musk sticks or Tomb stoned biscuits with the letters R.I.P on them. Because Halloween was introduced to Vietnam in a touristy way, Halloween night in Vietnam is basically formalistic with the main purpose: to have fun.
With the symbolized pumpkin engraved with deformed head on a typical black-and-orange theme, Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam, especially in the major cities. Halloween parties are mostly held at backpacker areas, usually in coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
In Ho Chi Minh City, besides expensive parties offered by restaurants, hotels and bars were“cheap” festivals for students. Meanwhile, in Hanoi, many universities organized the Halloween parties for students.
There are many activities for Halloween party but the most popular activity which appears at almost every party is wearing Halloween costumes. At coffee shops scary movies are often played until midnight while bars and restaurants offer appealing Halloween deals with uniquely Halloween dishes such as blood soup made by tomato and musk sticks or Tombstoned biscuits with the engraved R.I.P letters.
Traveling to Vietnam is not only spectacular scenery, unique festivals but also fun festivals of westerners, packed up to satisfy a perfect trip.