Community, Imagination, and Generosity.

Halloween is an oft-misunderstood time of the year with steep traditions in Gaelic and Celtic lore (among others), conjuring imagery of our world’s veil being lifted and allowing for Aos Si and other remnants of pagan beliefs and nature’s spirits to walk among us.

For many, it is and was simply a time to celebrate the harvest and the cyclical nature of life and death. The Earth replenishes itself (and us along with it) with the death cycle that is necessary for new life to spring forth.

For others, it is and was a time to honor our departed loved ones, offering them a safe place to rest, if even for just one night, whether it be through the Christian traditions of All Saint’s Day and Hallowmas, the Wiccan beliefs of the festival of darkness, Sabbats, and the wheel of the year, or your own personal belief system.

For some, it’s a time of mumming and guising, now known simply as trick or treating, and going door to door in costumes to collect various treats and candy (and maybe even soul cakes and calaveritas), while being illuminated not by the turnips and mangel wurzels of the past, but with pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns (which may or may not still represent spirits and/or ward off evil spirits).

It can be a time of fun and laughter, gathering with your friends and others in your community, and celebrating one of the United States’ (and the world’s) longest-running and most popular holidays.

The Halloween Preservation Society is dedicated to the education, appreciation, observance, and recognition of the diverse history and practices associated with the holiday of Halloween.

Halloween has quickly become one of the largest holidays in the United States, but its history and origins still remain a mystery to so many. We want to ensure that Halloween’s origins and rich bloodline aren’t lost in the decorations each year…while also celebrating the fun and pageantry involved with this great holiday.

The last day in October has become the source of so much joy to so many, is a mix of both religious and secular importance, and continues to bring together people from all walks of life through its customs and sense of community.

With the Preserve Halloween Festival, we hope to bring back the memories that we all have associated with Halloween through a variety of activities, celebrity guest appearances, panels, a variety of vendors, and screenings, all in an environment fostering the love we have for October 31st. 

Preserve Halloween
10-31-365