Halloween in the United States, a unique experience for exchange students

The night of October 31 is celebrated Halloween in America, one of the most emblematic and “terrifying” festivities that you can enjoy during your school year in USA. This celebration is one of the most exciting experiences that exchange students can live and experience firsthand. In this article, we tell you how our young people immerse themselves in this tradition with their host families and friends. We share images of some of their most memorable moments. In the photo above, Xenia enjoying Halloween in Texas.

«Pumpkin Picking» – Collecting pumpkins

One of the most deeply rooted customs in American culture is to pick pumpkins in the days leading up to the holiday. Families head to local farms in search of the perfect pumpkin, which they will then carve to give their homes a spooky look.

The itinerary for this day includes hours of guaranteed fun, such as tractor rides, pumpkin tossing, themed routes and tasting typical recipes. It is an unforgettable experience that students can share with their host families and friends.

«Pumpkin Carving» – Tallando calabazas

Pumpkins are the center of attention during this holiday, considered the symbol of autumn. Each year, it is estimated that each American buys about five pounds of pumpkins, enough to carve a creative work of vegetal art.

Carved pumpkins are called “Jack-o'-lantern”, a tradition that comes from a legend about a farmer condemned to wander as a wandering spirit who placed an ember in a hollowed-out turnip to light his way.

In homes, children and adults alike have fun sculpting non-stop. When night falls on October 31, they place a candle inside the pumpkin, producing a chilling lighting effect.

Our students have fun with their families and friends carving pumpkins that may look funny during the day, but when night falls…

Decoración de casas y jardines

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, walking through the streets of the United States is like entering a theme park. Houses are decorated in such detail that they look like authentic haunted houses. Everything is dressed in orange, covered in costumes and cobwebs to welcome the scariest night of the year. The creativity in the decorations is impressive, and it is a pleasure to walk through the streets to admire the facades decorated in a spooky way.

«Trick-or-Treat» – El juego de pedir dulces en Halloween

Young and old alike go out into the streets dressed up ready to fill their bags with candy. They go from door to door shouting "trick or treat?». It is also common to offer chocolates or homemade sweets, which makes this tradition even more special. Our students get fully involved, with their families and friends, in the search for original costumes and thoroughly enjoy this day.

Halloween en los High School americanos

Halloween is, without a doubt, one of the favorite traditions of students, both American and exchange students. So yes, it is also lived in the “High School”! Students decorate classrooms and hallways, attend class in costumes and organize multiple activities of the most terrifying kind. It is the perfect occasion to have fun, eat candy and, of course, strengthen ties with new American friends.

Want more? Visit the Image gallery of our students at Halloween.

If you want to live a year as an exchange student and fully enjoy Halloween in the United States and other countries, american traditions, do not hesitate, choose ICES, we are specialists in school year in USA y Academic Year in Canada.

ICES | USA Programs