Halloween has roots that stretch far beyond the brightly lit pumpkins and decorated houses we see across Illinois each October. Its origins go back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when the Celts of what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France marked the end of the harvest and prepared for winter. They believed that, on this particular night, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead were at their thinnest, allowing spirits to roam freely. People would gather around bonfires, dress in disguises, and leave food offerings to ward off any wandering souls that might bring harm or mischief​

For centuries, Halloween has been celebrated around the world by children and adults alike. While the reason for celebration has gradually changed since the first Celtic festivals, October 31st has long been recognized as a day for communities to come together to enjoy spooky fun. Today, Halloween remains one of the most popular holidays in the United States and is often spent visiting haunted houses, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. In 2024, an estimated $11.6 billion will be spent on Halloween-related goods, with more than 70% of Americans planning to celebrate.

The celebration of Halloween has been around for more than a thousand years. Originally a religious observance, today Halloween is considered a holiday for dress-up and fun, especially for children. By 1950, trick-or-treating for candy had become one of Halloween’s most popular activities. Halloween is observed on October 31, and it is one of the biggest holidays for candy sales in the United States, estimated to be more than $3 billion according to the National Retail Federation.