Halloween-themed parties are now everywhere, but it wasn’t always this way. In a week, your feed will likely be flooded with Halloween reels – from trick-or-treating hotspots to spine-chilling haunts. Once a foreign concept, this holiday has found a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans. But how did it happen?
Halloween’s Arrival in Singapore
In the 1990s, the growing expatriate community brought their Halloween traditions to Singapore, with popular nightclubs in Clarke Quay hosting themed costume parties. Expat neighbourhoods like Bukit Timah and Holland Village even held trick-or-treat events, sometimes drawing in curious locals.
Though still niche, the tradition gained traction thanks to the slasher movie franchise Halloween. Slowly, locals started to catch on.
The Rise of Halloween in the 2010s
The 2010s saw Halloween explode in popularity, thanks to social media and the rise of pop culture. Local businesses jumped on the trend, hosting spooky experiences and selling Halloween-themed products. Universal Studios Singapore began its annual Halloween Horror Nights in 2011, a massive hit that has run strong ever since. Other attractions, like Downtown East and SCAPE, followed suit with costume contests and pumpkin carvings.
This boom showed that Halloween wasn’t just a fleeting “Western fad”—it had become a permanent part of Singapore’s cultural calendar.
Halloween Becomes Mainstream
Today, Halloween is as mainstream in Singapore as Christmas, with celebrations at community centres like Geylang Serai and even preschool parties at places like MindChamps. Kids eagerly dress up, just like they do for Racial Harmony Day or Hari Raya.
The cultural melting pot that is Singapore has embraced Halloween, blending it with local traditions, making it a uniquely Singaporean celebration.
Halloween at Republic Polytechnic
At Republic Polytechnic, Halloween is a big deal for the Republican Post team. Each year, students turn up in creative costumes, transforming the newsroom into a Halloween wonderland. Back in 2022, Republican Post even hosted its first-ever Halloween Showdown, with participants dressed as everyone from Darth Vader to Kim Possible.
Where to Get Your Halloween Fix
Need Halloween decor? Daiso has a wide selection of spooky items, from jack-o-lanterns to Halloween-themed stickers, all affordably priced. You can even find costumes at your local FairPrice!
Celebrate Halloween this year
With Halloween just days away, why not give it a go if you haven’t already? It’s the perfect excuse to dress up, indulge in sweet treats, and embark on spooky adventures with friends and family. Plus, you can set the mood by watching classic horror films. As for me, I’m all set and ready for the RepPost Halloween party on 29 October—though I’m still figuring out what to wear!
Last year, one of our writers churned out an article on the best horror movies to watch. Have a read at it to know which movies would help kickstart the festivities.
