Happy Halloween!

Halloween is a celebration observed in a number of countries on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. Halloween, with some Christian roots, is not typically celebrated in Panama. However, in the last few years bars have been capitalizing on this popular holiday with dress up parties and contests.

But what about Halloween for kids? Trick-or-treating, which came about in the 11th century, when the Church had a tradition called 'souling', is a big part of Halloween in many parts of the world. In Panama, some malls offer the opportunity for kids to enjoy the experience. Out here at the beach trick-or-treating is not common, however, kids often have the opportunity to dress up and enjoy some festive treats at school.

Fun Fact: Why do people carve pumpkins for Halloween?

The carving of pumpkins originates from the Samhain festival when Gaels would carve turnips to ward off spirits and stop fairies from settling in houses. So, if you can not find a pumpkin in Coronado this Halloween, get creative, try carving a pineapple! 

There is a theory, that the Jack O'Lantern originated with a folkloric story of Stingy Jack, who played a trick on the devil, convincing him to buy him a drink. For this he was not let allowed into heaven or hell - and upon his passing, the devil tossed Jack a red hot ember which he kept in a turnip.

The mass of Irish immigrants to the United States and Canada in the 1840s were not able to locate turnips to carve, as they had in the past, so they turned to the more readily available pumpkin.

Happy Halloween from the Playa Community team!