The biggest Halloween in Saudi history was celebrated: what does it mean?

This year, the largest and longest Halloween parties in the country's history were organized in Saudi Arabia.

The fact is that since the establishment of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, the kings of the country have been distinguished by their love of luxury, but on January 23, 2015 - after Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud took the throne, we are witnessing an even more surprising scene. More specifically, after King Salman's seventh son and heir to the throne, Prince Mohammed, was appointed prime minister in 2022, Western "holidays" that have absolutely nothing to do with Islam and have roots in paganism and other cultures were also allowed in the kingdom.

This "satanic ritual", which will be officially celebrated in Saudi Arabia from 2022, has caused objections from Muslims around the world.

As it turned out, a three-day festival was organized in Riyadh under the auspices of the Kingdom's entertainment headquarters to celebrate Halloween. Guests of the event were dressed in spooky themed costumes. Many participants of the "festival" in the guise of bloody figures, various creatures and monsters, heroes of horror films and evil spirits gathered there.

However, observers did not praise the Saudi Arabian government for the money spent on the party and its inclination towards Western lifestyles. On the contrary, critics have said that this is not only a celebration of a "holiday" foreign to Muslim values, but also a popularization of the cult of death and necrophilia that exists in Western traditions.

Others recalled the words of the "Black Prince" that "in the future, the kingdom will return to moderate Islam, and the country will gradually follow the Western path and modernize the country." Analysts added that it was because of her efforts that Arab women were allowed to drive cars, go to stadiums and cinemas, take part in casinos and pole dancing. "Finally, thanks to the initiative of Prince bin Salman, Halloween is celebrated every year in the kingdom," the reports say.

So what kind of "holiday" is Halloween?

Hundreds of years ago, large areas of Europe were inhabited by Celtic tribes (now their descendants live in Ireland, as well as in Scotland and Wales, which are part of Great Britain). They were pagans and worshiped various elements of nature.

At the end of October, the Celts finished their field work and harvested the harvest. At this time - after the end of the next natural cycle - they celebrated the beginning of the new year.

The Celts believed that at this time the gates of the realm of the dead would open, and otherworldly forces and the souls of the departed would come to earth. According to their superstition, people had to wear various scary costumes and masks so that they would not be harmed and evil spirits would not recognize them.

Another symbol of the holiday is fire, during which bonfires are lit in the streets and people cross its flames. To this day, the "pumpkin head" with a candle inside is also a symbol of this "holiday".