Lonely PlanetOct 21, 2026
8 of the Best Spooky Festivals Around the World
From New Orleans to Hong Kong to Oaxaca, here are five of the best Halloween travel destinations around the world.
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- WalpurgisnachtFestivalfeatures a witch’s parade and medieval market
- Elsewhere
- Día de MuertosFestivalMexico City, Mexicohomage to those who passed on with celebrations and offerings
- pan de muertoRestaurantMexico City, Mexicotraditional Mexican sweetbread used as an offering
- Sensō-jiPlace of worshipTokyo, JapanTokyo's most famous temple hosts crying baby sumo
- Púca FestivalFestivalCounty Meath, Irelandceremonial Samhain bonfire lighting and procession
- Sabbath of the MacrallesFestivalVielsalm, Belgiumactors portraying witches honor the devil and cause mayhem
- Blueberry FestivalFestivalVielsalm, Belgiumjoyful affair with craft markets and street entertainment
- Nine Emperor Gods FestivalFestivalPhuket, ThailandTaoist festival with vegetarian food and purification rituals
- NyepiFestivalBali, Indonesiaannual holiday honors the new year with silent reflection
- ogoh-ogohSightBali, Indonesiagargantuan paper-mâché effigies of terrific demons
- Vodun DaysFestivalOuidah, Benincelebration with rituals, music in Vodoun spiritual capital
- NakizumoFestivalTokyo, Japanmatches between two babies held by sumo wrestlers