Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, with French authorities on high alert

Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31.

This year the holiday falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

On this day, streets and homes are decorated with pumpkins, ghosts, witches and other spooky items. Children and adults wear different costumes, attend parties and enjoy sweets and chocolates.

One of the most popular Halloween traditions is “Trick or Treat”. Children visit houses, knock on doors and ask for candy. Homeowners usually give them chocolates or sweets. If they do not get a treat, children may play a small prank.

The festival has a long history linked to old Celtic traditions and Christian beliefs. Halloween has its roots in an old Celtic festival called Samhain. It marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. The name is often linked to the meaning “end of summer”.

People believed that on this day, the world of the living and the world of the dead came closer. They thought spirits could visit the living. To protect themselves, people are believed to have worn costumes made from animal skins. They also left food for spirits.

Later, Christianity became popular in Europe. November 1 was marked as All Saints’ Day. The night before was called All Hallows’ Eve. Over time, the name became Halloween.

Ce samedi 31 octobre marque la fête d’Halloween.

Comme chaque année, le 31 octobre marque la fête d’Halloween.

Ce samedi 31 octobre a un goût différent puisqu’il survient dans un contexte tendu en France, alors qu’une nouvelle mobilisation est prévue dans l’Hexagone ce jour.

Des appels à des rassemblements ce samedi soir ont circulé ces derniers jours sur les réseaux sociaux.

Sur l’une des affiches largement relayées sur TikTok, apparaissent des silhouettes masquées. Une référence à l’univers d’Halloween, fête durant laquelle les participants se déguisent traditionnellement en monstres, sorcières ou fantômes.

On distingue également la présence de plusieurs symboles de la République, à savoir des mairies, des préfectures et des commissariats, ainsi que d’individus allumant un feu.