Latvian children take on Halloween roles as death, witches and spiders

Children in Latvia are embracing Halloween by dressing up and going to neighbours for sweets, LSM reported. The celebration, also known as the eve of All Saints’ Day, is observed around the world on October 31 and is growing in popularity in Latvia, where autumn is traditionally a time to remember and honour deceased ancestors.

At the Natural History Museum, staff and visitors dressed for Halloween and took part in activities about nature’s darker side, including cave-dwelling creatures and nocturnal animals such as owls and bats.

One child, Perle, came dressed as a little devil and said she had learned about insects that live in caves. Melisa said she was most interested in skeletons, especially those of snakes and fish. Amelija wore a pink death costume, while Emilija dressed as a spider and Karlina as a queen.

Museum educator Elvis Garais asked children whether any Latvian plants or fungi behave like vampires. He explained that some plants take water and nutrients from others, while a Cordyceps fungus can control insects, making them climb high into trees so the fungus can spread its spores.

The Puppet Theatre was also decorated for the occasion. Charlotte dressed as a skeleton, while Madara and Alberts took on the roles of death and a witch. Gabriela said she had decorated her home with spider webs and monsters. The children said they planned to visit neighbours for sweets in the evening.