Halloween in the United States: Not a Federal Holiday
Halloween is celebrated every October 31 in the United States. It comes from an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought the tradition to the U.S., and over time it became a widely recognized cultural celebration.
Even though it is widely celebrated, Halloween is not a federal holiday. Federal holidays in the U.S. include Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Labor Day, when government offices, schools, and banks are usually closed. Halloween does not have this official status.
Because it is not a federal holiday, most government offices, schools, banks, and businesses remain open on October 31. Stock markets such as the NYSE and NASDAQ also operate as usual.
Halloween is mostly celebrated through social and cultural activities. One of the most popular traditions is trick-or-treating, where children wear costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy. This activity is especially popular among families with young children.
In addition to trick-or-treating, homes are decorated with pumpkins, skulls, ghosts, and other spooky symbols. Large cities like New York and Los Angeles also host public parades and festivals, attracting thousands of participants each year.
Halloween has a strong commercial side as well. Many stores, malls, and businesses sell costumes, decorations, and other Halloween-themed products. The holiday is an important part of the retail calendar in the U.S.
Overall, Halloween in the United States is a major cultural and social celebration, but it is not an official federal holiday. While official work and school activities continue normally, people enjoy parties, costumes, and trick-or-treating as part of this fun tradition.