This is an assignment that I did for my Writing for Digital Media course. All students were given a company to write a listicle blog for them. My company was Expedia.
Expedia Listicle Blog
Places to go to for an unforgettable Halloween experience
It’s finally that time of the year when we all get excited about vampires, zombies, witches, and of course, pumpkins! It’s finally October, and it’s finally Halloween! When we think about Halloween, we think about candies, pumpkin carving and dressing up as our favourite characters. But, do you know for some it’s also a grand three-day festival, embracing death? Here are five destinations for you to explore unique Halloween celebrations and have an unforgettable Halloween experience.
Derry, Ireland
Many think that Halloween originated in America. But it did not! Halloween has its roots in pagan Ireland about 2000 years ago when the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain was celebrated to mark the beginning of winter and the new year. According to USA Today, Derry is the best Halloween destination in the world. 125 events happen over a period of seven days across the city, with a spooky program that includes arts, music, food, family entertainment and more. The real highlight is the carnival parade and fireworks finale which takes place on Halloween night and to which visitors from around the world flock.
Transylvania – Romania
With misty hills, dark medieval lanes, timeless villages, colourful citadels, striking fortified churches, and over 118 castles, Transylvania makes a great destination for all Dracula enthusiasts. Head to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle for an ultimate Halloween party. Located in a small town near Brasov, this Gothic fortress has little to do with Stoker’s bloodthirsty nobleman, yet it looks straight off the pages of his famous vampire novel. The party takes place on Saturday, October 30th, 2021, and can be paired with a night tour of the castle and a gourmet dinner.
Salem, Massachusetts
Halloween is a month-long celebration in Salem, Massachusetts, also known as the witch city. The events start with a grand parade in early October and close with a fireworks display over Salem Harbour on Halloween night. In between are Halloween-themed theatrical productions, carnival rides, psychic fairs, haunted attractions, costume balls, and more. Salem Haunted Happenings is a festive celebration of Halloween and fall in New England, it lures thousands of tourists to the city every year. Events include a grand parade, the haunted biz baz street fair, family film nights, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans celebrates the Halloween season with many events such as the Krewe of Boo parade, the zombie run and the Endless Night Vampire Ball. Krewe of BOO is an annual Halloween parade that takes place later in October and has an artistic allure, unlike any other parade. The Zombie Run is affiliated with Krewe of Boo and is a two-mile escape of makeup-covered zombies and Walking Dead-style characters stomping their way through the Warehouse District. The race takes place in the morning rather than in the evening. The Endless Night Vampire Ball event is at the House of Blues, and it includes a lot of great music, dancing, and even a cirque activity.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Dia de Los Muertos, also called the Day of the Dead, is a three-day celebration in Mexico from October 31st to November 2nd. The locals believe that the spirits of their loved ones travel from the world of the dead to visit them during these days. This holiday is to embrace death. The Mexican culture sees death as a natural part of life instead of fearing and denying it The intense colours, face paint and costumes all signify a way to celebrate life joyfully. If you are planning a trip to Oaxaca, make sure to book far in advance. Even as early as February of the same year would be an excellent time to make hotel reservations. The celebration has become quite popular with tourists after the release of the Disney film Coco.
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