When you think Halloween, it’s hard not to picture candy corn (gross, but iconic), kids in overpriced costumes, and jack-o’-lanterns grinning like they just got their student loans forgiven. But this spooky celebration, now pretty much an American pastime, wasn’t born in the aisles of Spirit Halloween stores. Nope, it started as a Celtic tradition before America slapped its commercial magic all over it and exported it worldwide like a Marvel movie.

Where It All Began: Ireland’s Spooky Roots
Halloween’s original roots trace back to Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”—because of course the Celts couldn’t make it easy), an ancient Celtic festival that marked the end of the harvest season in Ireland. The Celts believed that on October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead became, shall we say, a little thin. To keep any wandering spirits at bay, they’d light massive bonfires and don costumes—probably doubling as a solid excuse for some much-needed group bonding (what else was there to do in ancient Ireland, really?). While modern Ireland is still big on Halloween festivities, today you’re more likely to find kids bobbing for apples than fending off evil spirits.

And if you think America knows how to throw a Halloween party, you haven’t seen what goes down in the country where it all began. Ireland might just be giving the U.S. a run for its money with their mix of ancient tradition and contemporary spookiness.

England: Bonfires and Ghosts, Please
Across the pond in England, Halloween is like the quiet cousin who only shows up for the food. Guy Fawkes Night (November 5) traditionally took the main stage with its bonfires and fireworks, but thanks to America’s influence, Halloween is gaining momentum. Think haunted house tours, fancy dress (that’s ‘costumes’ in Brit-speak), and lots of ghost stories. The English still love their gothic lit and ghostly folklore, and let’s be honest—they really do haunted better than anyone.

And the best part? England’s got the perfect setting for Halloween festivities. Many of its neighborhoods look like they were plucked straight from a Harry Potter film—basically built-in spook factor, no extra decorations required.

One of the funniest things about Halloween in the UK is how Brits love to compare their celebrations to the American extravaganza. Spoiler alert: the U.S. usually blows them out of the water. It’s hard to compete with an entire country that treats Halloween like a month-long event, complete with full neighborhoods decked out in over-the-top decorations and candy hauls that could fund a small economy.

Italy: The Day of the Deadlightfully Chic
Italy isn’t huge on Halloween (leave the kitsch to the Americans), but All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days (November 1 and 2) are where it’s at. In a very Italian move, these days are for paying respects to the deceased—with style. Think candlelit processions and grave visits rather than plastic skeletons. But, Americanized Halloween is creeping into Italian culture like a ghost in the night, especially in bigger cities like Rome and Milan, where the youth have embraced costume parties and spooky soirées.

Halloween in Italy is pretty much the opposite of spooky. If anything, you’re more likely to be reaching for holy water than fun-sized Snickers bars. That said, Italy does have a celebration that gives off major Halloween vibes: Carnevale. Held between February and March, it’s not even close to October 31st, but it’s still a day filled with wild partying, parades, and—you guessed it—costumes galore. So, while Halloween might not be huge, the Italians definitely know how to throw a costume bash.

Mexico: Día de los Muertos Magic
Now, this is where it gets vibrant. While Halloween does have a following in Mexico (especially with younger crowds), the true spotlight belongs to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It’s a colorful, joyful festival where families welcome back the spirits of their ancestors with altars, sugar skulls, and marigold flowers. American Halloween might influence some costumes and parties, but Día de los Muertos stays distinct, honoring the past with far more flair and meaning than your standard trick-or-treat gig.

Japan: Pumpkins, Parties, and Pikachu?
Japan took Halloween and turned it into the ultimate cosplay party. You won’t find much door-to-door candy begging (though candy companies are making moves), but what you will find is the Harajuku district flooded with people in high-concept costumes that make our “sexy nurse” look as lazy as it really is. Halloween in Japan is more of a party season where people gather for parades and Halloween-themed events.

Oh, and pumpkin everything—yes, Japan has fully embraced the pumpkin spice life.

China: Ghost Festival vs. Halloween Hype
China has its own spiritual celebration, the Ghost Festival, which falls in late summer. It’s a time to honor ancestors by burning paper money and offerings to the deceased. While Halloween isn’t a traditional holiday in China, it’s becoming more popular with younger generations and expats, thanks to—you guessed it—America. You’ll spot Halloween parties in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, but it’s mostly just another excuse to dress up and party.

So, while Halloween might have started as a humble harvest festival, America’s influence has turned it into a global phenomenon where each country adds its own spooky twist. From honoring ancestors in Mexico to partying in Japan, the spirit (pun intended) of Halloween is alive and well across the world—just with fewer KitKats and more culture.

Till next time, be wickedly wonderful.