Halloween In Gozo

Halloween in Gozo. Gozo In The House has some hula-ween fun! Follow Pietra and Peppi on their tour of Gozo.
all souls day 2

The Origins of Halloween.

Often dismissed as a night of spooky costumes and candy, Halloween carries a deeper, more profound meaning rooted in ancient traditions and spiritual interpretations. In the heart of the Mediterranean, where history whispers through the stones, the celebration takes on a unique significance. Let’s unravel the hidden depths of Halloween and explore its spiritual ties to the enchanting islands of Malta and Gozo. The term “Halloween” is derived from the contraction of “All Hallows’ Eve,” which refers to the evening before the Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. “Hallow” is an old English word meaning “saint” or “holy person.”
all souls day 2 1

Spiritual Significance

Samhain’s essence, with its blend of reverence for the departed and acknowledgment of nature’s cycles, laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into the modern celebration of Halloween. Beyond the superficial scares and ghoulish imagery, Halloween serves as a powerful reminder of life’s cyclical nature. Ancient inhabitants of Gozo and Malta were attuned to the rhythms of nature, and their rituals often revolved around the changing seasons and celestial events. This potent time symbolizes a time of reflection, transformation, and acceptance of the inevitable cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Embracing the darkness becomes a cathartic experience, allowing individuals to confront their fears and acknowledge the transient nature of existence.
all souls day
Gozitan All Saints’ Day
On the eve of All Saints’ Day, Gozo takes on an otherworldly ambiance. The local tradition involves families gathering in cemeteries to honor their departed loved ones. Candles flicker in the darkness, casting an ethereal glow on weathered tombstones. It’s a night of remembrance, where the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest. Gozo’s cemeteries also are given focus and filled with vibrant flowers, as families pay their respects to loved ones who have passed.

Unveiling the Veil: Halloween’s Hidden Depths in Gozo.

all souls day 3

This potent time symbolizes a time of reflection, transformation, and acceptance of the inevitable cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Maltese Folklore and the Supernatural

Malta’s rich folklore is replete with tales of mystical creatures and supernatural encounters. From the eerie Kawlata, a malevolent spirit haunting the countryside, to the mischievous Imnarja fairies who dance in the moonlight, the islands are a tapestry of enchanting stories. Halloween becomes a time when these narratives come alive, merging the ancient and the contemporary in a celebration of the mysterious.

Halloween in Gozo is a vibrant affair with lots of local events in the main villages and throughout the bars and restaurants. Most venues go for a spooky makeover and up the anti-on events at this time of year.Check out our Events pages for what’s going on where.

Now for some Halloween fun!

Dressing up and carving pumpkins is a great way to entertain the family at home, especially little ones but a pumpkin is not the only thing that lends itself to a funny face! Pineapples work well too so we invite you to join in the fun.

Simple, straightforward, and highly effective. Plus the leftovers make for a delicious and nutritious smoothie and (because we like to keep things real) a cheeky tropical Piña Colada.

Here’s the recipe!

  • Large Pineapple
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife or pineapple corer
  • Tray & a Bowl
  • A battery-operated candle or tea lights
  • Kitchen Roll

Pineapple Carving Is The Latest Halloween Trend

  1. Adults cut – kids watch!
  2. Cut off the top of your pineapple around 1-2 inches from the top, leaving the leaves attached. Set aside.
  3. Scoop out the pineapple flesh then, cut the meat into fours like a pizza as this does make it easier to get it out! This gets a bit messy but that’s half the fun! Save all the flesh for your pina colada!
  4. Pour out any leftover juice into a bowl and pat the inside dry as best you can.
  5. Now it’s time to carve the face. If you are a creative type – this shouldn’t be too difficult – but we suggest drawing it on paper first – so you know exactly what you are trying to achieve! Put the pineapple on its side and cut out his or her scary features!
  6. Keeping the pineapple dry with the kitchen roll, finish your cuts until you feel you have reached maximum weirdness.
  7. Add your candles or battery-operated alternatives and Bomba! You have a hula-ween work of art!
CURED STONE BASS 10eu caper mayo almonds pickled shallots
Andrea Britton
Author: Andrea Britton

Andrea is the Creative Director and Editor at GITH. Tweet her at @andreabritton or send stories to [email protected].

Picture of Andrea Britton

Andrea Britton

Andrea is the Creative Director and Editor at GITH. Tweet her at @andreabritton or send stories to [email protected].
Share
Tweet

RELATED POSTS:

Total
0
Share