Autumn. Time for leaves to fall, pumpkins to be a part of everything that you can eat and for every foreign student to realize with how bad winter will be. One of the main events during this season all over the world is Halloween. However, in Poland it works a bit differently. So how to be treated well without getting tricked? Here are a few useful tips that may help you.

One of the main problems that is connected with Halloween is the night before All Saints Day (01.11), in Poland this is the day during which we visit the graves of our dead relatives. The atmosphere is rather sad and a bit depressing, that is why in Poland you should never extend your Halloween mood for longer than one day. Secondly, the main issue is very strong and deeply rooted Catholicism. Unfortunately, a lot of older people get really upset with getting dressed as ghosts and other scary creatures. You should watch out, if you were planning on having a longer walk at night.

Cemetery on All Saints Day.

I am not trying to talk you out of getting dressed up, but just be careful and don’t mind some reactions and looks that may be given to you. The third thing is “treat or trick”ing. If you are planning on doing that here are a few tips especially for you:

1. Don’t, you are not a kid anymore
2. If you absolutely HAVE TO, don’t do it in the city center, you will be extremely dissapointed.

I know that I sound a little bit like a downer, but unfortunately treat or tricking was sadly never part of the Polish tradition, so it is extremely likely that you will fail. Buy yourself a pack of sweets at the nearest convenience store, and you will be just fine, trust me.

So what should you do ?

First of all, don’t get upset and have some fun. Despite the micro-struggles you might have, you should do as much as possible to cheer yourself up. Search for some Halloween/Party oriented store and get things going.

Location of a Halloween-oriented shop[1]

If you have a sweet tooth, look around for many different discounts on candy. You won’t be disappointed with Polish candy, I promise. Poland is famous for many of them (mainly chocolate), so when is it better to taste all of them, than during Halloween? You should also absolutely try the seasonal menus in the restaurants all over Warsaw. Pumpkin cakes, fritters and soups are definitely worth trying, and you can find them in almost every place during the fall. Search also for pumpkins, carve your own jack-o-lantern and help to spread some new traditions.

When you will be full of good food, and confident with your outfit, it’s time to go out. Don’t worry, Warsaw has anything you can imagine (well, almost). This year there are three main Halloween events.  The first is the Halloween party in the “Remont”[1] club. Disco and karaoke lovers are warmly welcomed. Entry is free and the event starts at 8pm. “Maska Piano Art & Restaurant” is hosting a “Viva Cuba Halloween Party”[2]. During the party the scariest costume will be chosen and you can bounce yourself to some dancehall and funk music. Entry is free from 9 to 10 pm, and after that it’s just 10zł. Last but not least “Halloween Scare” in club “Face”[3]. Another big and loud party that starts at 8 pm. Every guest will be provided with a classy mask from the movie “Scream”. Links of reference below. I recommend getting to these events early or your will spend more time waiting in line than anything else!

As you can see, you don’t have to be bored during Halloween in Warsaw.
Get busy, have some fun and see you around on the streets.
Peace!
Aleksander Śmiech 27.10.2015

[1] Google Maps  all rights reserved – www.google.pl/maps/dir/Biernata+z+Lublina+9,+Warszawa//@52.196415,20.8741088,16z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x4719352001e3b52f:0x63ee7c9a36c5164!2m2!1d20.875685!2d52.195954!1m0?hl=pl

[1] https://www.facebook.com/events/777283872380100/
[2] https://www.facebook.com/events/1700102376887363/
[3] https://www.facebook.com/events/1691826087721129/