Yep, that's right folks, the Americanisation of the World continues.
Like the people mentioned in the article linked to above, I also have been freaked out by the SPEED at which Halloween has erupted on the scene here in the U.K.
We are not immune to it here in County Northern Ireland as evidenced by this colourful flyer emailed to be by those fine folks at Celebrate Belfast 2006.
Quoting from the Press Release:
Be prepared to be wowed by an array of street entertainers, fire performers, drummers and stilt walkers.
With live bands ‘The Delawares, Afrobrazilia and the Cinemagic Band’, on a night which is sure to be SPOOKTACULAR from start to finish.
FREE SHUTTLE BUSES PROVIDED BY OUR SPONSORS METRO ARE AVAILABLE FROM CHICHESTER STREET EVERY 15MINS FROM 6PM, PARKING RESTRICTIONS WILL APPLY
For more information contact the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or go online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events
Yep, nothing says Halloween more to me than Stilt Walkers and Fireworks.
Still, am sure it's gonna be fun and you could do a lot worse - I've been trying to get featured band 'The Delawares' on the Letter to America Podcast for AGES. Let's hope they finally say yes.
As for myself Dear Listener - am going on a pub crawl with friends this evening - hopefully I'll have some interesting snaps to post tomorrow.
Wow. That flyer looks AWFULLY familiar.
I wonder why....
Posted by: Wayne | October 31, 2006 at 06:38 AM
Am I to assume that you wrote the copy for said press release?
Posted by: Jett Loe | October 31, 2006 at 07:49 AM
Spooktacular indeed. What a great word - sounds like at least a morning's work!
Posted by: Alan in Belfast | October 31, 2006 at 10:45 AM
Actually, the copy is a hybrid of god knows how many people sitting around the table (probably 40 or 50).
I do, however, claim 'Spooktacular' as my own.
Posted by: Wayne | October 31, 2006 at 11:52 AM
Am I the only one amused by the thought of Jett on a "pub crawl"? Jett will get to enjoy the fine array of sparkling waters on hand at each pub.
I also enjoyed the quote in the linked article where the lady complained that the kids don't "sing" or anything in exchange for candy.
Posted by: Phil | October 31, 2006 at 12:38 PM
Was at a friends house tonight and 'lo and behold' the kids DID sing! Plus, they don't say 'Trick or Treat' - it's all 'Merry Halloween' to them...
Posted by: Jett Loe | October 31, 2006 at 05:46 PM
Happy Halloween, Jett & Wayne!
Whilst its true to say that Halloween has been Americanised here in the UK, we have ALWAYS celebrated it. I believe it has different roots here though... although I can't remember the details...
When I was a child here in Scotland, 25-30 years ago, it was a big deal. We'd go out from house to house guising in our costumes, and have to sing, tell stories or jokes, or something like that. As a reward we'd get some fruit, sweets or nuts.
Trick or Treat is an alien concept to us - I only remember it from watching Peanuts cartoons! Its a shame if we lose our traditions.
Posted by: Rob in Glasgow | October 31, 2006 at 07:39 PM
Glad to hear you had to sing for your treats Rob...was v. impressed with the locals vocal talent last night! :-)
Posted by: Jett Loe | November 01, 2006 at 07:31 AM
I thought Halloween was an ancient Celtic holiday celebrating the end of summer. I did read today that Americans spent something like 7 billion dollars on Halloween this year. That figure can't be right. I'm gonna have to look into that. If it's true, that is so wrong for so many reasons.
Posted by: Jama | November 01, 2006 at 06:50 PM