Neither the United States nor Mexico: this is the country of origin of the Halloween party that is worth visiting.

The Halloween holiday has become a global phenomenon, with houses decorated and people dressing up. But its true context lies in the connection between traditions such as the Celtic Samhain and All Saints' Day , the Christian celebration celebrated in Spain. Many people think this holiday is directly related to the United States or even Mexico, but to find out where it originated, you have to travel to Ireland.

The origin and meaning of Halloween

Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain , celebrated over 3,000 years ago. This festival marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time of transition when the Celts believed the spirits of the dead returned to Earth.

According to Oxford University, on Samhain Eve (what we know today as Halloween), spirits were thought to roam among the living , along with other supernatural creatures like fairies and demons. To protect themselves and confuse these spirits, the Celts lit bonfires and dressed in animal skins.

With the spread of Christianity , many pagan festivals were assimilated into the religion. This was the case with Samhain, which merged with the celebration of All Saints' Day (November 1), and the eve of this festival became known as All Hallows' Eve , which later became Halloween, meaning the eve of all saints.

Jack O'Lantern and the Legend of Jack the Stingy

One of the most well-known symbols of Halloween is the carved pumpkin , also called Jack O'Lantern . Its origin is linked to the Irish legend of Jack the Sting, a cunning man who tricked the Devil several times. After his death, Jack was condemned to wander eternally, as he was not admitted to either heaven or hell. According to legend, the Devil gave him a lantern made from a hollowed-out turnip and a burning ember to light his way in the darkness.

When Irish immigrants arrived in the United States in the 19th century, they replaced turnips with pumpkins , as they were more abundant and easier to carve in North America. Furthermore, pumpkins already had a prominent place in American cuisine, making them easier to integrate into the celebration. Since then, this vegetable has become an iconic element of Halloween around the world, including festivities in Spain, where the custom has become popular.

Ireland: What is Halloween like in your home country?

Going to Ireland to enjoy the festival of the dead in all its splendor is the best way to immerse yourself in the quintessential Jack-o'-lantern culture and enjoy the spirit of Halloween . Halloween decorations fill the Irish streets, steeped in history and tradition.

In addition to Dublin and Belfast, as well as other well-known cities in both the North and the Republic of Ireland, one of the unique events at this time is the Púca Festival , which is held in some of the most celebrated locations on the island of Ireland, in the towns of Trim and Athboy, in County Meath, which is known as the Ancient East of Ireland .

What to see in Ireland on your Halloween trip

The Trinity College Library is a must-see if you're visiting Dublin, of course, but there's another library, the Marsh Library, that you shouldn't miss either. This is the oldest library in all of Ireland and was founded by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh in 1701. The center houses some 25,000 books in its collection, which is complemented by maps and manuscripts.

Like a small oasis in the city, the hidden Iveagh Garden stretches out. This garden was designed in 1865 and went from being the property of an earl to housing the splendor of the Dublin Exhibition Palace in 1865. In addition to strolling its paths and enjoying its peaceful atmosphere, you can also visit its yew maze, rose garden, fountains, and spectacular waterfall.

If we choose Belfast , from the great collection of treasures in the Ulster Museum; to the Linen Hall Library, where you can see the oldest newspaper in the world; passing through the Belfast City Hall and its Titanic Memorial , the radiant Botanic Gardens or St. Anne's Cathedral and admire its soaring stained-glass roof.

In an Irish city, it would be unforgivable not to stroll through its music scene, its countless music festivals and even the historic Grand Opera House .