Walk the streets in costume at the home of Halloween! Experience Report

-The origins of Halloween and its charms

Halloween is an annual festival that takes place on October 31 and has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Sawin. Sawin was an important milestone that marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter, and it was believed that the spirits of the dead would return to this world at this time. For this reason, people lit bonfires to drive away the spirits and dressed up in costumes to protect themselves from evil spirits.

Later, Halloween became associated with Christian culture and established itself as the eve of All Hallows' Day. It was spread by immigrants who came to the U.S., and by the 20th century, it was enjoyed in its present form. Especially in the U.S., large parades and trick-or-treating have become common, making it a major event for adults and children alike.

The appeal of Halloween lies in its diversity. Through the extraordinary experience of dressing up in costume, one can become a different character from oneself, and many people take advantage of this opportunity to express their creativity and expression. Another attraction is the sense of togetherness and solidarity that is created when the whole town turns into Halloween colors. Enjoying this event with family and friends strengthens bonds and is a great way to create new memories.

In addition, special decorations and events are held throughout the area during this time of year, which also attracts many tourists. There are also a wide variety of seasonal activities such as pumpkin patches and horned houses to enjoy. Above all, the season is a great time to meet new people and make new discoveries, as people interact and communicate with each other.

Thus, Halloween is a festival that has evolved from its historical background to the present day and is loved by many people. The more you learn about its origins and charms, the more you will enjoy this unique seasonal celebration. This year, too, we encourage you to go out on the town in your favorite costume and enjoy the atmosphere to the fullest.

-What are the popular local costume themes?

In the United States, the home of Halloween, many people enjoy a variety of costumes every year. Here are some of the popular local costume themes.

First of all, the "horror" type of costume is one of the most popular standards. Zombies, vampires, witches, etc. are immensely popular. Zombies, in particular, are a popular choice, with many new ideas being created each year due to the wide variety of variations. Realistic makeup and costumes make them look as if they have just stepped out of a movie.

The next most notable type of costume is the "movie or TV drama character" costume. Many people recreate the most talked-about films and characters of the year. This year again, costumes inspired by hit superhero movies and fantasy films will be decorating the streets. These character costumes are also a way of expressing love and respect for the work.

Also, "pop culture" is greatly incorporated. Famous musicians, idols, and even Internet memes have become popular themes. These masquerades are a great opportunity to show off uniqueness and creativity, so people are able to attract attention with their unique styles.

In addition, "Group Coordination" is not to be missed. By deciding on a theme among friends or family members and dressing up in a unified costume, a sense of unity is created and a more enjoyable time is had by all. We saw many groups dressed up as famous anime characters or in the style of a certain band that was popular this year.

Finally, the "DIY (handmade)" option is also very popular. Many participants enjoy the process of creating their own unique and original costumes.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of costume themes in the United States, the home of Halloween. People enjoy the special day of Halloween to the fullest, each with its own unique style.

-The whole town is covered in Halloween colors!

In the United States, the home of Halloween, the entire city is colored in Halloween colors in October. The town I visited was no exception, and I could feel the atmosphere just walking down the street.

The first thing that catches the eye is the decoration of the houses. The yards are decorated with large jack-o'-lanterns, skeletons, and spider webs. Each house has its own unique theme, and some of the setups are as realistic as a horror movie. At night, the houses are lit up, creating an even more magical atmosphere.

Shopping streets and shopping malls are also decorated for Halloween. Store clerks also dressed up in costumes to serve customers, and the stores themselves were all in pumpkin colors. Many stores also sell Halloween-only products and sweets, the most popular of which are pumpkin spice lattes and candy corn.

In addition, a variety of events are held in the parks and plazas. Events range from food truck festivals, live music, and even horror movie screenings. So there is something for adults and children alike to enjoy, and I could have spent all day there and not gotten bored.

This festive mood throughout the city naturally brings smiles to people's faces and a sense of togetherness. Since the festival attracts not only locals but also many tourists, new encounters and interactions are often born. The special atmosphere that can only be experienced during this time of year is truly heartwarming.

As described above, Halloween in the United States is an event that is enjoyed by the entire city, and its appeal is immeasurable. Once you visit, you will immediately understand why. We hope you will experience the festivities that are unique to this time of year in America!

-An event for children and adults alike

Halloween is one of the most popular events in the United States, offering a diverse array of activities for children and adults alike. First, the highlight for children is "trick-or-treating. During this traditional event, children dress up in costumes and visit houses in the neighborhood to trick-or-treat. Each home is prepared to welcome the visiting children by decorating their doors and yards.

On the other hand, Halloween is a special time for adults as well. Many cities hold large costume parties and parades, and people dress up in costumes of their choice. New York City and San Francisco, for example, hold famous Halloween parades that attract many tourists. At these events, adults can participate in costume contests and enjoy live music and dancing.

There are also festivals throughout the region that are fun for the whole family. These festivals offer pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple picking, and other unique fall experiences, as well as delicious seasonal snacks and beverages.

In addition, many local community centers and churches also have special events planned to celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun environment. These include game nights, movie screenings, and more, so you can bring your little ones along.

As you can see, Halloween in the U.S. offers a wide variety of events that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age. By participating in the events according to your own preferences, you will be able to fully enjoy a different kind of cultural experience. Why not experience the charm of Halloween in the U.S. this year?

-The sense of togetherness felt at the costume parade

I would like to talk about the sense of togetherness I felt at the costume parade. Halloween in the United States is more than just a costume event; it is a special time when the entire community comes together as one. The costume parade, in particular, is a symbolic event that draws a large number of participants and spectators.

The city I visited holds an annual Halloween parade, which attracts a large crowd of spectators along the streets. The participants, dressed in costumes of their choice, parade through the streets in single file. It is truly a spectacular sight to see people of diverse cultures and backgrounds come together and enjoy themselves together.

What was particularly impressive was the sense of unity that naturally emerged among the participants and the audience. Even strangers greeted each other with smiles and complimented each other's costumes. This kind of interaction is unique and something that cannot be experienced in Japan, and I could feel the warmth with which people accepted each other.

The parade was also well attended by families, with everyone from small children to adults enjoying themselves. Each group was full of ingenious ideas, such as costumes with matching themes for parents and children and unique staging by each group. The sense of unity created by this kind of joint work must also have contributed to the sense of togetherness.

At the end of the event, there was a commemorative photo of the many participants and the entire audience. I felt that this was the moment when the entire diverse community came together as one. I realized that the costume parade was not only fun, but also an opportunity for people to deepen their understanding and respect for each other.

I believe that the sense of togetherness I felt in this way is the unique charm of Halloween in the United States. Once I experienced this atmosphere, I was able to come into contact with cultural backgrounds and values that are different from those in Japan, and it was a good opportunity to see things from a new perspective.

-Recommended photo spots and techniques

When you visit the city, the home of Halloween, be sure to check out the photo spots. In particular, taking pictures with the unique Halloween decorations and costumed people will be a memory that will last a lifetime. Here are some recommended photo spots and photography techniques.

The first place to visit is the boulevard located in the center of the city. During Halloween, this area is decorated with gorgeous decorations and attracts many tourists and local residents. The area is especially illuminated at night, creating an even more magical atmosphere. At this location, it is best to use a wide-angle lens to take pictures with the entire city in the background. Also, if you visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds, you will be able to take pictures in a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer people.

The next best places to visit are parks, open spaces, and other natural areas. Here, you can take pictures against a backdrop of autumn-leafed trees or pumpkin patches. We recommend daytime because you can take advantage of the natural light to create a soft impression. You can also use small pumpkins and fallen leaves as props to create a seasonal photo.

In addition, historic buildings are not to be missed. Old churches and libraries, for example, have a majestic atmosphere that goes well with Halloween. Use black-and-white filters in such places to create a classical and mysterious atmosphere.

Finally, the large costume parade is also a great photo opportunity. Not only is it worth taking commemorative photos of the participants, but it is also worth capturing the excitement of the parade on video. In this case, be sure to use a fast shutter speed to stop the movement and avoid backlighting to ensure vivid colors in your photos.

These are the recommended photo spots and their shooting techniques. We hope you will find your own favorite shots along with the authentic atmosphere. Each has its own unique charm, so we hope you will enjoy them from a variety of angles.