GHOSTS, goblins and ghouls will take to the streets on Friday October 31 to celebrate Halloween.
The festival has developed a strong tradition in North America since colonial times and Halloween has now spread to Australia with more kids trick-or-treating here each year.
And it’s not just children who enjoy the occasion.
For Kyeemagh RSL and Community Club manager Debbie Newton it’s one of her favourite times of the year.
Mrs Newton put on the Kyeemagh RSL Halloween Parade last weekend with more than 100 children taking part this year.
Costumes included witches, Frankenstein monsters and there was a fridge with a severed head — all to spook and shock.
Prizes were given for the costumes following a catwalk of outfits which will be worn to Halloween on Friday.
Winners include Keidis, 5, and his father Freidon who dressed as Dr Evil and Mini Me from the Austin Powers movies.
Mrs Newton said the event got bigger each year.
‘‘This year we booked out three weeks before the event so it’s proved really popular,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s so much fun, you can really see the kids have a great time and the parents love it as well.’’
Halloween has several different names: All Hallows’ Eve, Witches Night, Lamswool Snap-Apple Night, Samhaim and Summer’s End. It was inspired by the Irish Celtic festival Samhain, which celebrates the end of the harvest season.
KEEP IT SAFE
Safety tips for witches, goblins and ghouls.
- Try on all costumes before going out:
- Don’t wait until the last minute to have your kids try on their Halloween costumes. You never know when a costume will be too tight, too long, itchy.
- Keep visible: When trick or treating, keep to neighbourhoods that are well lit. Wherever you go, take a torch with you just in case. Put reflective tape on your child’s costume and props so that any drivers will see them.
Inspect all candy:
Never let your children eat their Halloween candy without inspecting it first. Toss out anything without a wrapper. You might also want to toss out homemade treats as well.
Lay down safety rules:
It’s good to have basic safety rules in case your children get accidentally separated during the night. Make sure children remember their home address and phone number by heart. Let them know to never enter another person’s home, even if invited. Tell them to be aware of their surroundings and always watch out for cars and to stay on footpaths.
Are you a fan of Halloween celebrations in Australia? Click on the comment link below to have your say or send photos via christiner@fairfaxmedia.com.au
