Experiences labelled with 'witch'
Pumpkins aglow with spine chilling faces, sit gazing out from neighborhood porches as they await the arrival of the next trick or treat'er on all Hallows eve. Now known as Halloween, a contraction of Hallows Eve, this secular tradition is celebrated annually on October 31. Long before the days of trick or treating, corn mazes, and bobbing for apples, Halloween traditions originated from the Celts, who on the 31st celebrated the harvest and year end. This time of year was believed to be the weakest point between the bonds of life and death, and to ward off the evil spirits many lit fires to keep away spirits with large billows of smoke. Following the Catholic churches influence, November 1st was named All Saints Day, or ...
In southern Mexico, nestled between ranges of volcanic mountains, the town of Catemaco springs to life every March with a spectacle of witchcraft, sorcery and merriment. The Noche de Brujas—“Night of the witches”—dates back to the precolonial era, drawing traditional healers, shamans, prophets and fortune-tellers from all over Mexico to gather for a legendary all-night festival, during which participants invoke a mass cleansing to alleviate the previous year’s negative energies. Adventurous tourists join in on the fun of Noche de Brujas, some just to witness the spectacle, others daring to get involved. The adorable avenues and landscapes of pristine Catemaco are supercharged with mysticism on a regular day, but during Noche de Brujas the sense is nearly palpable. Streets are crowded year-round with vendors selling ...
