Salem Ma Halloween – Whether you’re planning to visit Salem this October or you’re already here, you might want to know why Salem is synonymous with Halloween.
Salem’s connection to Halloween begins with the terrifying events that took place during the Salem Witch Trials. The 19 innocent victims who lost their lives in 1692 were not witches, they were only accused because of the Puritan beliefs of that time. The Salem Witch Trials were later revived in Arthur Miller’s 1953 work, The Crucible, and again in 1992 during the ten-year anniversary of the events and the opening of the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
Salem Ma Halloween
By 1982, the city was planning the first Salem Haunted Happenings Festival during Halloween weekend. The festival is an effort to provide family-friendly activities for visitors interested in visiting the “Witch City”. Following the success of the first festival with around 50,000 visitors, the annual event continues to grow each season, attracting everyone from families, couples, history buffs and Halloween enthusiasts from around the world.
Haunted Happenings Grand Parade
Today, members of the modern Pagan and Witch communities have a home in Salem, where Samhain is celebrated each October to mark the end of the harvest season and the arrival of winter. The city’s modern witches have a unique opportunity to share their beliefs and celebrations with locals and foreign visitors who come to celebrate the Halloween season in Salem.
Since 1982, Salem Haunted Happenings has been a month-long celebration that includes everything from family-friendly magic shows, to costume balls, psychic readings, haunted harbor tours, ghost tours, and more. Whether you come to Salem looking for history, hauntings, shopping, live music, or even a vibrant food and “spirit” scene, you’re sure to find your own adventure at our Halloween Capital of the World this October. caught up in the spirit of the spooky season as Salem officials reported that nearly 700,000 people traveled to the city on Halloween weekend to party with ghosts, ghouls and witches. Trick-or-treaters are being advised to get to the hallowed witch grounds early this year as thousands are expected to descend on Salem on Monday.
“If everyone respects how you’re here, plan ahead and come with an attitude to have fun, expect to wait a little longer than you normally would, you’re going to have a great Halloween.” Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll told WHDH reporters.
October 31, 2020. Salem, Ma. Crowds In Salem On Halloween And Heavy Police Presence. Salem Officials And Massachusetts State Leaders Asked People To S Stock Photo
Driscoll told the news station that the witch town saw nearly 700,000 visitors over Halloween weekend, causing major traffic and parking complications.
The Salem mayor’s office expects nearly 100,000 to travel to the city on Monday and while the skies should be clear for people flying brooms, car passengers could experience a nightmare with expected heavy traffic levels.
In preparation for Monday’s expected traffic, the MBTA added extra trains and stops in Salem to combat increased ridership. Visitors to Salem are advised to take trains or ferries to the witch town on Monday, as the Salem parking garage will be closed for Halloween events.
Live Blog: Halloween 2019 In Salem
A full list of spooky events happening in Salem on Halloween night — including places to party, shop and eat Halloween-themed food — can be found on the Salem Haunted Happenings website.
Salem police have issued a safety advisory to families trick-or-treating with their young children and people traveling to the witch town. Official neighborhood trick-or-treating hours are from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on monday.
“There is no real ‘trick’ to make Halloween a real treat for the whole family. The biggest dangers are not from ghosts or gnomes, but from pedestrians, car accidents and trips and falls,” the Salem Police Department wrote in a statement. ” If you are driving in Salem on October 31st, please do so with caution as trick-or-treaters will be out after sunset on most weeks. Drive slowly, especially on neighborhood and residential streets, and remember that children can cross at many points on the road, including from behind parked cars, trees, or signs where they cannot see your approaching car.”
Halloween In Salem, Ma — Washington Dccitygirl
If you buy a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive payment. Salem, Massachusetts sees some of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors every October for haunted houses, street vendors, museums, live entertainment, ghost tours, parades, and fireworks on Halloween night. The annual Haunted Happenings celebration continues in October, adding to Salem’s usual fun shopping, dining and breweries.
Since the first Salem Haunted Happenings festival in 1982, the celebration has continued to grow. Visitors can stop at the Salem Witch Museum, explore the witch trials of 1692, and visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. Today, members of the modern pagan and witch communities have a strong presence in Salem, with many shops dedicated to witchy items such as HausWitch and Artemisia Botanicals.
The month of activities begins with a Grand Parade on October 5. A pet costume parade, Howl-o-ween, follows on October 8. Each weekend in October (there are five this year!) will feature a market outside Salem Common with artisan – made items such as crafts, clothing and gifts.
Haunted Happenings To Bring Crowds, Road Closures To Salem
On October 29, the Saturday before Halloween, the Salem Waterfront Hotel is hosting Wicked Night on the Wharf, a 21+ costume party with a DJ, dancing, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Other weekend events include a Haunted Speakeasy, Halloween Ball at the Hawthorne Hotel, and an outdoor screening of “Hocus Pocus” on Salem Common. Halloween night will bring live music downtown and fireworks over the North River at 10:15 p.m.
For tips on eating, getting around, and exploring Salem during the month of October, check out our October Salem Day Trip Guide.
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Photos: Salem’s Annual Halloween Celebration Is As Spooky And Surreal As Ever
Salem is a great day trip and an even better overnight stay. Most museums and attractions are a 1-2 hour experience. If there are four sites you want to visit, you can do so, with lunch time, in one day. If you have more than four tasks on your list, stay overnight to make sure you have enough time!
The hottest month is October, with 62 °C, and the coldest is October, with 45 °C. Like New England it can be 75 degrees and sunny or 32 degrees and snowing. Be prepared for anything by dressing in layers!
None of the hotels, inns or B&Bs in Salem advertise themselves as haunted. But if you ask their guests, it’s a different story. Without an official, we let you, the visitor, tell us: Are your accommodations disturbed?
Salem Requires Halloween Covid Testing
There is! Contact individual companies or visit for a list of combination tickets and October deals.
Salem is only 16 miles north of Boston. There is train and ferry service between Salem and Boston, and train service between Salem and Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich and Newburyport.
Visit Salem.org, and download the Destination Salem App from your app store. If this is your first visit to Salem, Massachusetts, be sure to take a trolley or walking tour to help you get your bearings, our list of tours can be found HERE.
Fyi: Rules/advice For Arriving & Departing Halloween In Salem Ma
That’s the Salem Heritage Trail! It connects the historically significant sites and neighborhoods of Salem. We recommend following it with a map, like the one on the new Salem Heritage Trail website, or by following the QR code markers at each stop!
We recommend getting your tickets for special events and attractions in advance if available or experiences can sell out. Contact individual companies directly for more information on how to purchase tickets.
Just like the fun of the Salem Haunted Happenings celebration, the party ends after the fireworks. Plan to leave by 10:30 p.m., as the police and public works departments clear the streets and sidewalks.
Guest Ghoul: 15 Things To Do In Salem, Ma This Halloween Season
We welcome groups to Salem in October! Salem offers drop zones, short term and long term parking for tour buses. Additional private lots are available for a fee.
I WANT TO BE PART OF THE ACTION, BUT I DON’T LIKE PEOPLE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If youlike the sights and sounds of Halloween but can do without the crowds, consider a mid-week visit. Accommodations are often available midweek, and attractions and tours operate daily.
Salem, Ma Halloween Parade 2014
Costumes are encouraged to visit Salem, Massachusetts in October. A few things to remember when dressing up are to make safe costumes for yourself and your family. Salem has one of the largest outdoor Halloween parties in the world. With so many people on the street, you need to be able to walk safely. Be careful with tall items and accessories. Do not bring weapons, fake or real, as they will be confiscated. If you get the chance to visit Salem, MA in October, you are in for a big treat whether it be with a broom, trolley or
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