Halloween in France

The French have celebrated ‘Toussaint’ (All Saints) at the beginning of November for centuries, but only recently has Halloween begun to gain popularity in France. These days, French people celebrate Halloween by dressing up in costumes and going to Halloween parties with friends and family. Trick or treating is also becoming more common. Many French people do not like Halloween, however, as they see it as a corporate, American holiday, and they prefer to avoid it. Read on to find out how French people celebrate All Saints’ Day and to learn some Halloween related words in French:

As in other Catholic countries, 1st November is a national holiday in France and is called ‘la Fête des saints’ (All Saints’ Day). On this day, French people will often visit cemeteries and lay chrysanthemums on the graves of their deceased ancestors to honour them. The following day, 2nd November, is called ‘la Fête des morts’ (All Souls’ Day), but is not a public holiday in France.

Here is some Halloween related vocabulary in French:

une citrouille, un potiron – pumpkin
un déguisement – costume, disguise
une sorcière – witch
un fantôme – ghost
une histoire de fantômes – ghost story
effrayer – to scare, frighten
la chair de poule – goosebumps
la maison hantée – haunted house
le diable – the devil
un vampire – Vampire
un loup-garou – werewolf
un cimetière – cemetery