Halloween is not celebrated in Russia, and very few know much about it (the very few are the younger generation of course). With the fall of the Iron Curtain, many foreign traditions and cultural elements found their way into Russian society. Belly dancing, Irish dancing and Valentine's Day celebration were introduced and accepted by the majority. But when it comes to Halloween celebration, I doubt it ever has a chance of becoming popular as it challenges deep-seating beliefs within society.
Some Halloween decorations like coffins and skeleton bones are found disturbing by many. You think it's spooky and funny, they think it's letting dark-sided forces into your home. Many Russian immigrants would not let their children go trick-or-treating on Halloween night (at least the first couple of years since the move).
So, what one's to do while in Russia to get into the bone-chilling spirit of Halloween. You can get away with a Jack-o-Lantern on your front porch (good luck with finding a pumpkin to carve outside of big cities) but please do not display any cemetery attributes. Here are a couple more suggestions for you: rent/buy a horror flick or, if you are in the big city and that's your thing, look for night clubs advertising Halloween-themed parties.
Ever experienced Halloween in Russia? Let me know how it went.
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