Halloween in the Netherlands

Halloween is gaining more popularity in the Netherlands every year. For years we have seen the trend of children going out in the streets dressed up to collect candy. But where does this fascination actually come from?

People love scary

Of course, there are always exceptions, but many people just love scary. Even back in the day. Anything that people couldn’t explain got a paranormal stamp. In addition, people fear intangible things like death. But besides the fact that death frightens, it also fascinates.

At least as much one would almost think. After all, creeping is a thing of the past. In Scandinavian countries, people believe in trolls and other forest dwellers, the British fear forest witches (banshees) and are terrified of the Loch Ness monster. In Suriname, people believe in ghosts and so on. But even in our own, down-to-earth Netherlands, people are fascinated by spirits, ghosts and other scum.

Where does Haloween come from?

Halloween as we know it came over from America. But Halloween was certainly not invented there. The Celts did that a long time ago. They celebrated Hallow-e’en, a kind of All Saints’ Eve. In fact, their calendar ran from Nov. 1 to Oct. 31. In the 9th century, a European Christian custom blew over to Celtic custom. On Nov. 2 (All Souls’ Day), Christians dressed in rags took to the streets to beg for food.

In return, they offered a prayer for the dead relatives of the generous giver. A kind of trick-or-treat, in other words. Later, countries like America adopted the custom and it became linked to ghosts and other scary things. And the date changed too, becoming Oct. 31.

The most exciting amusement parks during Halloween

Fright Night – Walibi Holland Do you dare? During Fright Night at Walibi Holland, walk through the dark caverns of the park, where Eddie opens the gates to a world full of bloodthirsty freaks. From terrifying circus music to razor sharp knife throwers, this horror adventure is not for wimps. Open only to ages 16 and older, but younger creepers can enjoy Halloween Spooky Days.

Bobbejaanland Bobbejaanland goes all-in for Halloween with seven haunted houses, including the psychedelic Alice in Horrorland. Do you dare brave Wrecked, Texcas Butcher and Yummy? For the little ones, there are fun activities like Spooky Salsa and the Pumpkin Race. Halloween at Bobbejaanland starts on October 7, with extra long opening hours.

Slagharen In Slagharen you will experience Halloween in a cheerful Wild West atmosphere. During the day you will enjoy Scary Prairie, suitable for all ages. But on eight special nights in October, the park stays open until 10 p.m. for the truly daring, with three terrifying scare zones and more than seventy actors bringing your nightmares to life.

Children’s Amusement Park Julianatoren From Oct. 6 to Nov. 5, Julianatoren is decorated slightly spooky for Halloween. Experience the Creepy Forest, based on the new movie “Wiezel de Griezel,” and enjoy exciting park shows. Do you dare to shine on the Griezelcatwalk?

Toverland Toverland is celebrating Halloweennights with more creeps than ever. From Oct. 5 to Nov. 9, dark creatures emerge from all corners. Visit the six Haunted Experiences and five scare zones, including the revamped Cirque zone. Be prepared for a terrifying parade and use a magic wand to keep the creeps at bay.

Other Halloween Activities

Fun Forest At the end of October, you can participate in Night & Halloween Climbing at Fun Forest. Climb through atmospherically lit forests and meet creepy characters who will scare the hell out of you.

Spooktocht door het Bos On Oct. 21, you will walk through the dark paths of the Waarderhout in North Holland during The Halloween Event. Accompanied by an actor, you will discover terrifying acts along the route. Children under the age of 12 may join in accompanied by an adult.

Zoetermeer Halloween City On October 25, Stadshart Zoetermeer will transform into a Halloween city with eight scarezones and four horror shows during the ^10th Halloween City Zoetermeer. Do you dare to brave the darkness?

SMÈRRIG Halloween Festival – Den Bosch On Oct. 26, the Brabanthallen will be the setting for the SMÈRRIG Halloween Festival. Put on your gruesome outfit and enjoy scary activities, performers and music that will scare you and make you dance at the same time.

Legends and myths in the Netherlands

The Netherlands also has a slew of legends and myths, even though we are known as a down-to-earth nation. Everyone has heard of the Witte Wieven from Drenthe, the Bokkenrijders from Limburg and the Flying Dutchman, who sailed from Terneuzen, Zeeland. But witches have also been burned at the stake in our country. All these stories lend themselves perfectly to exciting tales around the fireplace. Happy Halloween!

Credits photos: www.canva.com