7 fascinating Halloween traditions around the world

View this email in your browser Autumn has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, which means this is your last chance to get many places before winter makes them less fun. For example, State Parks which offer an opportunity to explore beautiful wildernesses without the National Park crowding. While you're avoiding crowds, may we suggest lake Orta?  It's right against Milan, and you won't have to wade through the paparazzi.  And Krabi is the perfect alternative to more well-known Thai adventure destinations. Or maybe you'd like to cycle through Transylvania?  It's definitely the month for it.  Speaking of which... FAMILY 7 fascinating Halloween traditions around the world Halloween has roots in a Celtic pagan festival called Samhain, traditionally held between the fall equinox and winter solstice to welcome the harvest. A time of transition, spirits were said to rise and roam the earth. To ward them off, Celts lit bonfires and donned ghoulish costumes. In the eighth century, after Pope Gregory III devoted November 1 to honoring saints, Samhain traditions became All Saints' Day festivities, and the night before became known as All Hallows' Eve, later Halloween. Like Saint Paddy's Day, though, the holiday took on a new life after Irish immigrants brought it to the US in the 19th century. Today, America's all-out celebration of costumes, candy, and all things spooky has redefined Halloween in the world's eyes. HALLOWEEN IS COMING! LATEST ARTICLES PARKS + WILDERNESS The best uncrowded state parks near the five busiest national parks NEWS These are the world's strongest passports of 2019 TRIP PLANNING Forget Lake Como. Lake Orta is an affordable, unspoiled escape just outside Milan. CYCLING Cycling the medieval fortified churches of Transylvania SPORTS For outdoor adventure in Thailand, go to Krabi, not Phuket DESSERT The real difference between Swiss and Belgian chocolate, explained MATADOR CITY GUIDE TRIP PLANNING  The Ultimate Guide to Phoenix Sitting in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, you might not expect much from a city like Phoenix. Yet the sprawling capital of Arizona is home to world-class museums, diverse restaurants featuring local ingredients, and nature preserves with miles upon miles of hiking and biking trails. With its clear, sunny skies, unusual landscapes showcasing giant saguaros, a cultural scene that includes street muralists and indigenous artists, and a vibrant food and drink scene that's always innovating, the city attracts thousands of visitors. And once here, most don't want to leave, making Phoenix one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. No matter if you come to visit or to stay, this ultimate guide will help you make the best of your time here.   EXPLORE PHOENIX ADVENTURE Who Knows Where in Vietnam Two and a half weeks. 2000 km. One crash. Moderate chafing. Follow your favorite new travel host Monet Izabeth on a hilarious motorbike journey from Saigon to Hanoi. WATCH THE FILM FOLLOW US AND FIND YOUR NEXT #TRAVELSTOKE Copyright © 2019 Matador Network, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Matador Network PO Box 7775 #40021 San Francisco, CA 94120 Add us to your address book Need to change something? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from our newsletter. We'll be here when you need us!