Although it is currently a day of costumes, sweets and children, its origins are not so happy. The festival was celebrated in Ireland when the harvest season was coming to an end and the “Celtic New Year” began, coinciding with the autumn solstice. It was believed that during that night the spirits of the dead could walk among the living.

The ancient Celts believed that with the arrival of Samhain the line connecting this world with that of the dead was narrowed and good and evil spirits could pass through it. It is believed that the use of masks was to drive away evil spirits.

Banquets were also held at the graves of family ancestors.

The sacred rites celebrated had originally a purifying and religious character, among which was communication with the dead, who were helped to find their way by placing lighted candles in the windows.

When the Roman occupation arrived in Celtic lands, the festival was mixed with those of the invaders, such as the “harvest festival”, celebrated in honor of the goddess Pomona.

Popes Gregory III and Gregory IV tried to supplant Halloween by the Catholic holiday of All Saints' Day which was moved from May 13 to November 1.

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