It’s almost here and I have to admit, the spooky vibes have a special kind of allure this year!
Since we’re going to be setting up at Playcon over the weekend, we bet we’re going to see lots of costumes of all kinds… You can rest assured, we will have candy at the ready, just in case someone wants to trick us!
The Sweet History of Candy in Halloween Traditions
Ah, Halloween! That magical time of year when the air turns crisp, the pumpkins glow, and little ones dress up to gather goodies. But did you know that candy hasn’t always been the star of Halloween? Oh no, my dears, it took quite a journey for sweets to become a part of this spooky celebration, especially here in Europe.
The Ancient Beginnings of Halloween
Let’s start way back, over 2,000 years ago, with the Celts. They lived in what is now Ireland, the UK, and parts of France, and celebrated a festival called Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). This marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter—a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was said to be thin. People believed that ghosts and spirits could roam the Earth, so they lit bonfires and left offerings of food to keep them happy.
Fast forward a few centuries, and here comes the Christian influence. The church established All Saints’ Day on November 1st, and the night before became All Hallows’ Eve, which eventually turned into the Halloween we know today. But back then, it wasn’t about costumes or candy—it was about honoring the dead, with people sometimes leaving small food offerings outside their homes.
The Role of Sweets in Early Halloween
Now, here’s where things get sweeter! During medieval times in Europe, we had something called “souling.” Oh, it was quite a lovely tradition. Poor children would go door-to-door singing prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes—little spiced buns that were given as a token of appreciation. It wasn’t exactly candy, but it was certainly the early beginning of treats for Halloween!
But let’s not forget that sugar wasn’t always as abundant as it is today. For centuries, sweets were a rare and precious thing. Honey, fruits, and nuts were the most common sweets until sugar started being produced and traded more widely in the 16th and 17th centuries. Slowly but surely, sugar found its way into more households, and people began to experiment with sweet treats.
Candy’s Rise in Halloween Celebrations
Now, let’s hop over to the 20th century, when Halloween really started to take shape, especially in America. Oh, things changed quite a bit over there! Trick-or-treating became popular after World War II. Children would dress up and visit homes, receiving treats like homemade cookies, fruits, or even small toys. But as time passed, the convenience of store-bought candy began to win over parents. Candy was individually wrapped and easy to hand out—perfect for busy households.
Candy companies, ever so clever, jumped on the chance to link their sugary delights to Halloween, marketing small, bite-sized goodies as the perfect treat. And the rest, as they say, is history! Before long, Halloween became synonymous with candy.
Halloween and Candy in Europe
Here in Europe, the candy craze for Halloween caught on a little later. In many parts of Europe, Halloween was still celebrated with bonfires, apple bobbing, and more traditional fare. But over the past few decades, candy has taken its rightful place in the festivities. Now, children from the UK to France, to Malta, and beyond, knock on doors with hopeful smiles, saying “Trick or Treat!” and expecting a sweet reward.
The Role of Candy Today
Today, candy is an inseparable part of Halloween. Whether you’re giving out chocolates, gummy bears, or colorful hard candies, the joy of watching a child’s face light up as they receive their treat is timeless. But no matter how many sweets fill their bags, remember that the spirit of Halloween is still rooted in community, generosity, and a little bit of magic.
So, my dears, as you enjoy your Halloween this year, remember that every piece of candy you hand out carries a bit of history. From the soul cakes of medieval Europe to the colorful candies of today, these sweet treats have come a long way to become part of this beloved holiday.
How Halloween is Celebrated in Malta
Though Halloween doesn’t have ancient roots in Maltese culture, the way it’s celebrated has its own special charm. Over the years, towns and villages across the islands have started hosting Halloween-themed events, from ghost tours in Valletta’s historic streets to pumpkin-carving contests and haunted houses in the local communities.
One of the most exciting parts of Halloween in Malta is the costume fun! Kids dress up as their favorite spooky characters—witches, vampires, and zombies roam the streets, knocking on doors and shouting “Trick or Treat!”. Though trick-or-treating isn’t quite as widespread as it is in the US, many neighborhoods, especially in more urban areas like Sliema and St. Julian’s, now see children going door-to-door collecting sweets from friendly neighbors.
Many families also attend Halloween parties, where adults can get just as creative as the kids. From creepy themed foods to haunted decorations, it’s clear that the Maltese people know how to bring a little spookiness to their Mediterranean island.
Halloween Events and Activities
If you’re in Malta during Halloween, there’s no shortage of activities to get you into the spooky spirit. One of the highlights is Popeye Village, a theme park located in Mellieħa, which transforms into a Halloween wonderland, complete with creepy decorations and fun for all ages. Many of the local cafes and restaurants join in the festivities too, offering Halloween-themed menus with creative drinks and desserts.
For those looking for a thrill, you might visit Fort St. Elmo in Valletta, where ghost stories from the Knights of St. John’s era are brought to life. Or perhaps a stroll through Mdina, Malta’s ancient “Silent City,” which carries an eerie beauty at night.
The Blend of Tradition and New Celebrations
What makes Halloween in Malta so unique is the balance between old and new. While younger generations embrace Halloween’s playful side, there’s still deep respect for the more traditional observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Many Maltese families attend mass, light candles for the departed, and visit cemeteries to honor their loved ones. This blend of modern Halloween fun and the solemn remembrance of family ties makes the end of October a special time on the island.
A Halloween Like No Other
Halloween in Malta may be a newer tradition, but it’s one that has quickly found its place in the hearts of many. Whether it’s trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, visiting spooky haunted houses, or simply enjoying a Halloween-themed pastry, the island embraces this autumn holiday with creativity and joy.
So, if you’re ever in Malta during Halloween, don’t be surprised to see a group of costumed kids, hear laughter from a spooky-themed party, or enjoy a little Mediterranean twist on this hauntingly fun holiday!