Preparing for Halloween

Although Halloween is a prerogative of America, this holiday has moved in modified form to other countries around the world. Let’s take a look at what preparations are underway for this holiday in one particular state: Brazil.

Before the Halloween frenzy and excitement erupts on the last day of October, preparations have been underway for months. American traditions are intertwined with Brazilian culture and year after year, commerce grows stronger. For Brazilians, it is not a traditional holiday with deep roots, but rather a form of entertainment that has become globalised.

American roots and the influence of pop culture

Halloween finds its origins in the Celtic holiday of Samhain, which made its way to the US thanks to Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th century. Gradually, it became a firm part of the local culture and transformed into what it is today. It’s a celebration full of costumes, spooky decorations and the rhyme ‘Trick or Treat’, which children take around the house. The holiday has gradually spread around the world thanks to pop culture.

A Brazilian take on Halloween

While the word Halloween is used in Brazil, the day also goes by the Portuguese name Dia das Bruxas, or Witches’ Day. However, this is not a traditional holiday, but rather a modern phenomenon. Since it is associated with the USA, many see it as a threat to Brazilian traditions and culture. Thanks to these opponents of American influence, Dia do Saci, or Saci Day, was created, which also falls on October 31. The symbol is a character named Saci Pererê, a small one-legged boy with a magic hat who loves to play pranks. This day therefore functions as the Brazilian version of Halloween.

Commerce and the growing market

Despite being an invasive holiday, from an economic point of view it is a very profitable event. Year after year, interest grows, and shops take advantage of this and are ready for it. Costumes, decorations and sweets are the main items. According to statistics , sales of Halloween merchandise are expected to increase by 15-30% this year compared to last year.

Preparation time line

Halloween is more than just the date of October 31. Preparations take place throughout the month. In early October, stores gradually begin offering merchandise such as decorations, costumes and other products. Theme parties are also planned and marketing campaigns are launched by stores and various businesses. Around mid-October, there is an increased interest in buying costumes, as later on the offer might not be as varied or prices might increase. At the same time, people are making their own decorations or costumes. In the last week, the actual putting up of the decorations on houses, shops, etc. comes next.

Where and how the decorations and costumes are prepared

In big cities such as Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, shop windows are decorated in the typical black and orange colours. At the end of the month, some neighbourhoods are transformed into mini-carnivals. There are specialised shops, called Zé Botão Festas e Fantasias or Aparatus Fantasia, where you can find all kinds of decorative items and costumes for purchase.

Halloween Brazilian style

While in America, Halloween has the spirit of the coming of autumn and the gloomy atmosphere associated with it, in Brazil the celebrations are held in a colourful, positive, musical and enthusiastic style. Here, the traditional holiday is transformed into an exotic counterpart that gives it a completely different atmosphere. Although the American influence is evident, Brazilians have managed to create their own unique version.