Halloween is not just about pumpkins, outfits, and candy, but it’s a festival that has various traditions from around the world. From the cobblestoned roads of Europe to the vibrant passages of America, this season comes alive with special flavours, age-old practices, and sweet stories of memory. Every country has its own mystical twist. Some honour the souls of the deceased with sugar-coated breads, whereas others share sweet pastries or caramel apples.
These treats are not just desserts, but are a symbol of the connection between the living and the deceased. So, as the October chilliness sets in, it's time to take your taste buds on a hauntingly delectable trip through international Halloween traditions. From Mexico's soulful Pan de Muerto to Ireland’s fortune-filled Barmbrack, know how the world celebrates the festival, with sweetness and symbolism.
Soul Cakes, United Kingdom
Soul cakes are from medieval England and were traditionally prepared on All Hallows’ Eve. These are small, round spicy cakes that were offered to souls or children and poor people who prayed for the souls of the deceased. Prepared with refined flour, butter, nutmeg, and some currants, they have a light, sweet as well and buttery taste. Soft but a bit thick from within, the taste feels like a contrast between shortbread and fruitcake. The tradition evolved in modern ways, making soul cakes a tasty and meaningful Halloween dish.
Pan de Muerto, Mexico
Prepared for Día de los Muertos (a Mexican festival), which overlaps with Halloween, Pan de Muerto or 'Bread of the Dead' is a soft, sweet bread which is prepared by blending eggs, butter, and orange zest. The round shape and bone-like decorations represent the cycle of life and death. Lightly sprinkled with sugar, it is best enjoyed with hot chocolate. It is fluffy, having a citrusy fragrance and a delightful taste, turning memory into a warm, heartfelt ritual.
Barmbrack, Ireland
It is an Irish fruit bread which is filled with raisins, sultanas, and occasionally candied peel. Every charm, from rings to coins, indicates the finder’s fortune for the coming year. Lightly spicy and soft, barmbrack is often enjoyed with butter and tea. Its roots trace back to Samhain, the Celtic festival that inspired Halloween, combining superstition, sweetness, and the harvest flavours into a cherished tradition.
Colcannon, Ireland
Though savoury, colcannon is a special Irish dish prepared during Halloween with mashed potatoes, cabbage or kale, butter, and some cream. During the age-old Samhain feasts, it was filled with small charms or coins concealed inside to indicate fortunes. Light, earthy, and satisfying, it perfectly balances the sweetness of other treats while representing the abundance of the harvest. Colcannon is a traditional comfort dish that links Irish households to their traditional celebrations of Halloween’s origins.
Candy Apples, United States
Candy apples evolved as a Halloween icon in the early 20th century, indicating fall harvests and fairs. Crisp apples are immersed in glossy red caramel or sugar syrup, making them crunchy on the exterior with a juicy bite inside. The vibrant red colour reflects the theme of Halloween, that is, temptation and extra. These candy apples blend texture as well as flavour, which is a perfect combination of sweet as well as savoury.