Halloween celebrations around the world in pictures

The tradition has its roots in the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, when people wore costumes to ward off evil spirits.

In the New York suburb of Upper Nyack, NY, USA, children in Halloween costumes go door-to-door asking for candy. PHOTO: REUTERS

People dressed up in costumes wait for the start of the 50th annual Halloween Parade in New York, US. PHOTO: REUTERS

People in costumes take part in an event during a Halloween celebration at Solana Shopping Center in Beijing, China. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

The Westnedge Family House in the Wootten Estate neighborhood was once again decorated and lit up for Halloween on October 31, 2023, and people in costume gathered there as they have done for more than 10 years. PHOTO: ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN''JAMAR

Participants dressed up in costumes take part in Halloween Night on Khaosan Street in Bangkok, Thailand.

A boy dressed in a Ghostface costume scares pigeons in a plaza during Halloween celebrations in La Paz, Bolivia, October 31, 2023. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

A man participating in the annual Halloween parade in New York City poses for a photo on Sixth Avenue in New York, U.S.. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

People use Halloween-inspired dolls to participate in the annual Halloween Parade on Sixth Avenue in New York City, New York. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Participants dressed up in Halloween costumes take selfies during the "Zombie Walk" in Essen, western Germany, on October 31, 2023. PHOTO: AFP

The disheveled 'Ghosts'.