Halloween: imported fad or harmless fun?

In America, Halloween transformed into the highly visible celebration now familiar from films and television: decorated houses, mass-produced costumes, parties, haunted attractions, and enormous quantities of confectionery. 

In the US and Canada, Halloween is largely a secular community festival centred on children, costumes, and treats. In Ireland and Scotland, modern celebrations coexist with an awareness of the festival’s Celtic and folk heritage. 

It should not be confused with Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, on 2 November. Although the dates are close and both involve thoughts of the departed, the Mexican festival is a distinct tradition combining Indigenous and Catholic influences.

Elsewhere, Halloween has frequently been adopted as a costume or entertainment event rather than a religious occasion. That adaptability helps explain its international appeal. 

While we might dismiss Halloween as a recent American invasion, celebrations have taken place in Australia for a long time. 

Irish and Scottish migrants brought their customs to colonial Australia, and historical records indicate Halloween events were being held in Victoria during the 1850s.  

What is new is its visibility. In some Australian neighbourhoods, participating households place orange balloons or decorations on their letterboxes. Trick-or-treating often begins in daylight, reflecting both our longer spring evenings and a desire to make the activity safer and more social.  

Evidence suggests Halloween is no longer confined to young families. Research released by the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan in the lead-up to Halloween 2025 estimated that more than one in five adult Australians would participate. 

It also reported participation of 21% among people aged over 65.  

While some observe the religious side of Halloween, for most Australian families it's about dressing as a pirate, carving a pumpkin, or giving a child some lollies. 

However, the charge of commercialism is hard to dismiss. Australians reportedly spent about $500 million on costumes, decorations, treats, and parties for Halloween 2025. 

Retailers clearly have an interest in encouraging another shopping occasion, and mountains of disposable plastic decorations can make the event feel wasteful.  

That does not mean enjoyment has to come with a large price tag. Homemade costumes, reusable decorations, and a shared afternoon tea can place the emphasis on creativity and community spirit. 

Halloween may have come from the northern hemisphere, where 31 October marks the approach of winter, but Australians are giving it local characteristics. 

Nobody should feel compelled to celebrate. Children should visit only houses that clearly welcome trick-or-treaters, remain with a responsible adult, and respect anyone who chooses not to participate. 

If you want to take part, it can be a lot of fun – and an opportunity to connect with other people, including young families, in your neighbourhood. 

If there are children around where you live, it might be a nice idea to have a few treats on standby in case they come knocking on your door. Hopefully, you'll be given some warning by their parents – and the opportunity to politely decline to take part.

Related reading: Britannica, Australian Retail Council, University of Sydney, Halloween Australia