photo by SJBikess (via Instagram)
Each country has its own Halloween customs and anyone traveling in Colombia at the end of October can witness a unique celebration. So make sure to book your Colombian adventure around Halloween so that you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind fright night that you'll never forget.
photo by SJBikess (via Instagram)
Where to go
Without a doubt, the best place to be on Halloween night while in Colombia is Bogotá. Aside from evoking the Halloween spirit with the many vintage homes and buildings, some of Colombia's most terrifying ghost stories originated here.
Bogotá is also the Halloween hub for adults with most of the nightclubs promoting best costume contests. The locals all love participating as the prize money is usually a handsome lump sum and going out and seeing everyone really get into the holiday festivities is a treat within itself. Competitions are held for both individuals and groups so make sure you bring your crew!
If you won't be in Bogotá during all Hallow's Eve, the next best place to be is Cali, Colombia. Why? It's because Cali is the place where Colombia's famed Moto Halloween Party takes place. Definitely a must-see, during the celebration, motorists dress up in elaborate costumes and zigzag throughout the town in a parade-like fashion – a fun spectacle for all ages.
It's great to see the adults take to the holiday as historically, up until 2001, Halloween was called "Día de los Niños" or "Children's Day" as the first induction of the holiday was geared towards little ones. But over the years, Halloween "grew up" and in addition to children going to malls, adults now dress up as well, plan meet-ups at bars and host parties at home or at restaurants.
In the past, children would dress up in their favourite costumes – think princess and Batman – and only go to large shopping centres or malls to trick-or treat. But now, just like in the States, children go door-to-door and trick-or-treat and the excitement is no longer contained to shopping centres.
photo by Tawest64 (via Creative COmmons)
Costuming
Although adults have taken to the holiday, you won't find many full-on getups as you stroll the streets. Typical Halloween adult costumes here usually consist of fun wigs paired with oversized glasses adorned with other wacky props. If you were to ask a passersby what his or her costume is, they would most likely reply "I don't know."
But it's not about the costume, it's the thought that counts. Of course, the motorists in the Moto Halloween Party parade truly dress up and you will find the occasional enthusiast, but not many. This may also be because of an unspoken rule that people should still be identifiable while in costume.
Candy
Whether you're a kid or an adult, along with the thrills and chills, this holiday is all about the candy. And what's the best way to ask for it from strangers? Well, to sing this song of course!
Triqui Triqui Halloween
Quiero dulces para mi
Si no hay dulces para mi
Se le crece la nariz.
Tricky Tricky Halloween
I want candy for me
If there is not candy for me
Your nose will grow.
As far as the treats go, Colombian sweets like Supercoco, JET and Trululu will be offered from both vendors and homeowners.
Want more thrills?
If partying it up in Bogotá is still not enough, you can always try this old wives' tale trick if you want to see paranormal activity yourself. Cuddle your puppy and gently remove an eye booger from his or her eye. Then place it in your right eye and you'll be able to see the spirits walking towards the nearest cemetery holding candles and chanting.
In Colombia, and many other countries for the matter, people believe that dogs can see spirits since they guard the gates between the real world and the spirit world. People also believe that this is why dogs howl into the night – to tell spirits to go back into their realm.
So whether it's your cup of tea or not, that's still a pretty cool old wives' tale. Maybe you can try it and document your experience!