News 13 has your complete Halloween Guide, from the scariest spooky stories to family-friendly events around Central Florida.
Haunted Florida | Spooky Stories | Eerie Events
Haunted Fun | Halloween Safety | Halloween Photo Gallery
Halloween History
The earliest known use of the word "Halloween" was in the 16th century, a Scottish variant of the fuller "All-Hallows-Even," that is, the night before All Hallows Day, known today as All Saints Day.
The Catholic Church commemorates the dead on All Saints Day and All Souls' Day, on November 1 and 2.
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ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN
According to historian Nicholas Rogers, some folklorists have detected Halloween's origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia.
But Halloween is more typically linked to the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain, a word derived from Old Irish roughly meaning "summer's end."
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HOW TRICK-OR-TREATING STARTED
Aside from the costumes originally meant to scare away the spirits in search of bodies to possess, this tradition is believed to have originated from English All Souls' Day parades, during which the poor begged for food and received pastries called "soul cakes."
In return, the poor prayed for the giver's dead relatives. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in Limbo after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, could expedite a soul's passage to heaven.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando
Select nights Sept. 21 – Oct. 31, face horror's most terrifying creatures in the flesh at Universal Orlando Resort. Halloween Horror Nights 22 features Alice Cooper, Penn & Teller, Silent Hill and AMC's The Walking Dead. BUY TICKETS
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Select nights Sept. 11 – Nov. 2, ghouls and goblins gather for a bewitching Halloween spooktacular at Walt Disney World. Guests of all ages are encouraged come in costume and trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom. Plus, following Mickey's Boo-to-You Parade this year is the all-new Not-So-Scary Street Jam. BUY TICKETS
Brick-or-Treat at Legoland Florida
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, enjoy safe and family-friendly festivities at Legoland Florida's first ever Halloween celebration. Trick-or-treat along the brick-or-treat trail, build your own Lego models, see the world's largest Lego jack-o'-lantern and win prizes in an all-kids Halloween costume contest. BUY TICKETS
SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular
Every Saturday and Sunday in October, an ocean of Halloween fun for all ages awaits you at SeaWorld Orlando. Put on your Halloween costume and stop by for special Halloween shows, a sea of sweet treats, and lots of fun, family-friendly spookiness. Best of all, it's all included with regular admission to SeaWorld Orlando. BUY TICKETS
Howl-o-Scream at Busch Gardens
Select nights Sept. 21 – Oct. 27, unlock the fear that grows behind the Dark Side of the Gardens' gate at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Your own curiosity may seal your fate, with more devious surprises than ever before at this year's Howl-o-Scream. Explore all-new haunted houses, scare zones and thrilling live entertainment. BUY TICKETS
Show us your Halloween costumes!
We want to see your Halloween spirit! Share photos and video of your Halloween costumes, and show us the decorations around your haunted home. Upload your Halloween Photos & Video here.
Viewer Poll
Will you visit Universal Orlando in 2014 just to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion?
Dress Like Danny!
You can dress like Danny Treanor for Halloween!
Here's what you need to do:
- Download mask. (PDF)
- Print and cut it out. Don't forget the eyes!
- Find a way to attach it to your face, or hold it up with a popsicle stick.
- Dress in a nice suit & tie.
- UPLOAD or EMAIL your photo in the Danny Treanor mask!
We'll put your picture in our Halloween Photo Gallery!
Spooky on Demand
There are more tricks and treats waiting for you on your Bright House Networks digital cable! Tune to Central Florida on Demand, Channel 300, and select Halloween on the bottom of your screen.
Find out what's happening in your neighborhood and submit your event now!
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