Halloween, celebrated on the 31st October, is often only seen in all its splendour in movies, or on social media whereby Americans post pictures of pumpkins in front of their yards, or their picked-out-a-whole-month-in-advance-costumes, much to the envy of many Mauritians, especially teenagers. Mostly because Halloween has never really been a big deal to Mauritians before all the commercialisation and abundant media coverage of the mainly American festival.
It is true, however, that during the past few years, many hotels, restaurants or even individuals have started throwing parties during the last week of October- be it for children or even older people. This year, for example, Doodland is organising an event-where they claim will be a treasure hunt, costume contest, obstacle course, among others. Tamassa Resort is also hosting a ‘Burning Monkey’ Halloween party from the 30th of October to the 1st of November, focusing mainly on a musical aspect of the festival instead of the dress-up one.
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, not many have advertised over-the-top parties, and it is highly probable that most people are throwing their own personal parties-so you might be lucky enough to be invited to one if any of your friends are passionate about witches or ghosts! Some supermarkets will surely be selling creepy masks and wigs, so be on the lookout for these accessories if you like being immersed in the reveries of Halloween, but rather in a more low-key way. After all, no one will judge you if you watch Disney’s ‘Hocus Pocus’ wearing a pointy witch hat in your room...right?
I would however not hold my breath about seeing kids trick-or-treating on Mauritian streets anytime soon, but it feels good to watch the little ones get spooked about the concept of Halloween, even if most experience it mainly through screens.
Writer: Shreya Aubeelack Editor: Simran Valligan, Luvlynn Bholah