It's that time of year again! Halloween parties, taking the children trick or treating, an excuse to have a cosy night in, put on your favourite horror and enjoy your favourite chocolates!
Why is halloween celebrated?
Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. This Halloween 2021 will be celebrated on a Sunday. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and then later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Things to do in Bedford this Halloween:
- Pumpkin Carving - Frosts Garden Centre, Friday October 29 2021 at 10:00 am to October 31 2021 2:30 pm. The event will be held outside so make sure you wrap up warm! Included in the price is a pumpkin, a battery operated tea light, a frighteningly good activity sheet and a chocolate treat!
- Creepy Crawly Crafts - Marston Vale Forest Centre, Friday October 29 2021 at 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Get artsy and make your own creepy spider crafts! The perfect addition to your Halloween decorations! Price - £3 per child. Price includes all materials for crafting and Halloween decoration to take home.Please arrive in plenty of time, so that you are ready at the start time. Get your tickets here: https://www.marstonvale.org/Event/halloween-crafts-friday-29-october-2021
- Halloween Tea with Owls - Herring Green Activity Farm, Sunday October 31 2021 at 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Have a great time in the company of their owls; spend an hour meeting, handling and flying many different species including the beautiful Barn Owl, meet their baby Great Grey Owls, feel the weight of the giant Eagle Owl and experience their silent flight as they glide into your arm. Once your time with the owls is over you can enjoy tea and a delicious array of cakes in our tea room. Places are limited so they advise you book early to avoid disappointment: £22.00 per person. Tickets can be bought here: https://birdsofpreycentre.co.uk/product/halloween-tea-with-owls-october-31st-10-30-1-00-3-00/
Fun Fact: Did you know? One quarter of all the candy sold annually in the U.S. is purchased for Halloween.
History of Trick-or-Treating
It began as a European tradition, then Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today’s “trick-or-treat” tradition.
What's your favourite way to celebrate Halloween?!