Halloween

Halloween in Spain is an interesting thing. Traditionally, Carnival (Mardi Gras in the states) was the holiday where people dressed up in costumes and kids ate candy. But in recent years, thanks to American TV and other influences, the American version of Halloween has become more popular. 

The American version of Halloween has Celtic origins. This is where we get jack-o-lanterns, bonfires and the presence of malevolent spirits. Galicia also has Celtic roots, so in a way the introduction of the American version of Halloween is a return to the past. Albeit the very ancient, pre-christian past. 

It's mostly the kids who do anything to celebrate Halloween (which they pronounce /'xa-lo-in/), while the older generations do more of an All Saint's Day. They visit their families and leave flowers on the graves of people the know who have passed away. Most of the teachers at my school are doing this this weekend. Which by the way, is a long weekend, or "puente" (bridge) in Spanish, so we get Thursday and Friday off. 

At the school, we had some Halloween celebrations, thanks mainly to the art teacher.

Halloween!

Crows and bats and some kind of ghost hanging from the ceiling. The students are gathered around the pumpkins they carved in art class.

SpoooOOOOoooky check-out desk.

They also showed a movie as an option instead of classes after lunch on Wednesday. I worked with the English club CUALE, but only two students showed up. The movie was SAW. Apparently Spanish kids are more desensitized than American kids, because even the little ones seemed fine as they went out to the bus.