In France
La Toussaint is a Christian celebration that takes place on Nov 1st and is a bank holiday. While this is traditionally the day where you celebrate all saints, for many it’s the occasion to remember the dead and to take chrysanthemums to cemeteries.
That’s why you can see chrysanthemums for sale everywhere in France on la Toussaint.
Many French children will still go trick or treating and enjoy fancy dress parties too.
Halloween in Spain
As in France, Halloween is closely related to the religious holiday of All Saint’s Day which honours the dead and celebrates the perpetuation of life.
31st of October is known as le Día de las brujas of the day of the witches. A fantastic name for a day, but it’s not particularly celebrated.
Nov 1st is Día de todos los Santos (All Saint’s Day) and is a public holiday. Nov 2nd is Día de los muertos /difuntos (Day of the Dead/ All Souls day)
Day of the dead is mainly celebrated in Mexico and combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls Day, a holiday which Spanish invaders took to Mexico in the 1500s
Halloween is not especially celebrated although you will see decorations up in shops, clubs, bars, etc. especially in touristy areas.