Back in the Philippines, Alexa Tanhueco only thought of Halloween as something only seen in the movies. But when she moved to Hawai’i, she was stunned to see entire neighborhoods lit up with decorations, very impressive costumes, and the mass of people dressing up in costumes; she never knew Halloween was celebrated at this scale.
How Immigrants Saw and See Halloween
Halloween, celebrated every October 31, is one of America’s biggest celebrations, known for its costumes and candy. Halloween is widely known throughout the world, with many immigrants who know it; however, many of them do not realize the difference of Halloween in America compared to how they perceived or celebrated it back home.
Tanhueco, who arrived to America last year, said, “Before moving here, I only saw Halloween in movies. I thought it was just about scary costumes and candy, it looked fun but also kind of crazy.”
Her first Halloween was also an eyeopener, Tanhueco said, “My first impression [of Halloween] was that everyone really takes it seriously. I was so surprised how many houses had big decorations, lights, and the amount of people dressed up outside. It felt like a big party for the whole neighborhood.”
Similarly, John Stephen Quiruz, who also came to America last year said, “Their costume, they really put some effort on it here. For example some of them wear really really thick makeup.” But the candy for him also stood out, Quiruz said, “Both places [Philippines, and Hawai’i], I used to trick or treat, but here, the chocolate [they give me] are different, more unique, more expensive (candies).”
Tanhueco said her first Halloween in Hawai‘i was “really exciting.” She dressed up as a deer and went trick-or-treating with her family. Tanhueco said, “My favorite part was spending time with my family and seeing all the houses with decorations. The thing that surprised me most was how friendly everyone was while giving candies.”
Halloween for those first experiencing it, is an opportunity for many to learn about, not just Halloween in America, but also American culture, and ideals. Tanheuco said, “That day I learned that Halloween is not only about scary things, it was also about family and community.”
For many immigrants, a new home means new traditions, and customs they would see, and experience. That goes the same for many young immigrants, who being new to America, experience having to know new people, and adapt to a new environment. Quiruz said, “My first Halloween was not bad or not good, because when I came out, I was a little shy, and didn’t have that much friends yet.”
To many, their first Halloween is a eye opener, an experience where they could learn more about American culture, and Halloween itself.
How Immigrants Celebrate Halloween
In some countries, the time around Halloween is also a time of remembering the dead. In the beginning of November, the Philippines celebrates Undas. Jhazelle Taganas, said, “[During] Undas, we visit our dead relatives. It’s to show respect, and most people (Filipinos) used to do that in the Philippines.” Mexico celebrates a similar holiday called the Day of the Dead, where Mexicans pay respects and remember the dead.
Many of them still celebrate their traditions here, when asked how Filipinos still celebrate Undas here, Taganas, said, “I think they still do it like [in] the Philippines, they would visit their passed away loved ones, and, show respect to [the dead].” Taganas added, “Sometimes they would clean their grave, and place a candle.” She also continues to celebrate this tradition, “Sometimes we light candles and pray for our family members who passed away, just like we do in Undas in the Philippines.”
The Bridge Between Two Worlds
As immigrants adjust to life in America, many discover that Halloween doesn’t have to replace their old traditions, it can blend with them by combining their cultures and traditions with Halloween. Some have donned a costume representing their cultures. Every Halloween, Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawai’i holds a Day of the Dead event, where attendants commonly wear a ‘Calavera’ style costume; a style typically associated with Day of the Dead, and Mexican culture .
Quiruz said, “I would like to wear Kapre, [it’s] a giant in the tree.” He added, “It’s one of the mythical creatures of the Philippines, and I want to wear that because it was a part of our culture growing up, hearing stories about Kapres in trees.”
By celebrating Halloween in their own way, immigrants like Tanhueco, and Quiruz, create new memories while keeping their traditions alive. Tanhueco said, “Now Halloween means enjoying with friends, being creative, and sharing happiness with others,”
In the end, every carved pumpkin, every costume tells two stories; one from where they came from, and one where they are now. Halloween is now a bridge between two cultures. Quiruz offered some advice, “My advice is don’t be shy, go out, even though you are alone, invite your friends, family, little cousins.”, and as Tanhueco puts it, “It’s a good way to meet people and feel part of the community.”
