Discover New Brunswick’s Unique Halloween Traditions
Halloween in New Brunswick, Canada, is celebrated with a unique mix of traditional festivities and local customs. As October arrives, cities and small towns across the province begin preparing for the holiday with decorations, spooky displays, and community events that reflect the cozy, autumnal spirit of the season. Here’s a bit more about Halloween traditions in New Brunswick:
1. Haunted Houses and Ghost Tours: Many communities, especially in historic cities like Saint John and Fredericton, host haunted houses and ghost tours, where local legends and eerie tales are shared. Venues like the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews often transform into haunted attractions, bringing in thrill-seekers from across the province.
2. Pumpkin Festivals and Corn Mazes: Fall festivals are popular in New Brunswick, with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and harvest-themed events throughout the season. Places like River View Orchard in Florenceville-Bristol and Green Pig Market in Salisbury are well-known for their family-friendly fall activities, including pumpkin picking and intricate corn mazes.
3. Trick-or-Treating and Community Events: Trick-or-treating is a time-honored tradition, with kids dressed in costumes going door-to-door in their neighborhoods. Communities like Dieppe and Moncton often host organized trick-or-treating events for safety, while some areas offer “Trunk-or-Treat” gatherings where cars are decorated, and treats are handed out in parking lots.
4. Spooky Campfires and Folklore: Given New Brunswick’s rich history, ghost stories and folklore are an essential part of Halloween. Some communities host spooky campfire events where storytellers share local legends, often tied to New Brunswick’s maritime and Acadian history.
5. Costume Parties and Parades: Costume contests and parades are common, with many schools, local businesses, and community centers organizing events. Fredericton, for example, hosts Halloween-themed events downtown, where kids and adults alike can showcase their costumes.
6. Bonfires and Harvest Celebrations: In some rural parts of New Brunswick, Halloween also coincides with the end of the harvest season, leading to bonfire gatherings where communities come together to celebrate autumn and prepare for the winter season.
Overall, Halloween in New Brunswick combines classic Halloween activities with local traditions and a strong sense of community, making it a memorable and festive time for residents and visitors alike.
Photo by: Tourism New Brunswick
Location: Nackawic, New Brunswick
