COVID-19 has been taking the country by storm for the past several months and will continue derailing communities’ typical traditions for this fall season.

When autumn rolls around and the leaves begin to change, that usually means it’s a spooky season with the public looking forward to the holiday season. 

Halloween is a worldwide celebrated holiday taking place on October 31. This day is celebrated across the nation with typical traditions of trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving. Although most do not pay attention to the true history of this event, it is a time for scary monsters, cute little kid costumes, and candy!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some traditional Halloween activities may be high risk for the spread of COVID-19 like, “participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door,” and “attending crowded costume parties held indoors.”

Although Halloween has its typical traditions that people have been partaking in for years, this year will have to be different due to the current circumstances. These traditions like trick-or-treating and costume parties are enjoyable, but will have to adapt to the new guidelines and safety measures. 

The CDC has suggested many safer alternatives for Halloween traditions including, “carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household, decorating your living space, or even having a virtual Halloween costume contest.”

Even though in no way will 2020’s Halloween be the same as the past years, there are still safe ways to celebrate the holiday in the comfort of your own home without further spreading the disease. 

Aside from Halloween, other fall holidays will also be interrupted this year.

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday taking place from October 31 to November 2. This is an event to remember the dead that has been a part of Mexican culture for centuries. This holiday is not viewed as a day of sadness but more of a celebration. 

Some of the holiday traditions may be a high-risk activity for spreading COVID-19. According to the CDC, this can include “attending large indoor celebrations with singing or chanting and participating in crowded indoor gatherings or events.”

Although Dia de los Muertos is typically a time to celebrate with loved ones and honor the deceased, in the current situation, traditions will have to evolve to limit the spread. However, that does not mean there is no way to partake in the festivities.

Safer alternatives have been suggested by the California Department of Public Health to still celebrate the holiday including “placing traditional indoor altars outside so others can view them from a safe distance, creating virtual altars online, and keeping cemetery visits short in duration and limited to people within the same household.”

Sadly, Dia de los Muertos will be nowhere near the same as celebrations in the past years, but there are still ways to make the best out of the current situation and enjoyably celebrate the holiday.

Although these holidays are a blast to participate in, traditions will have to change to stay safe and healthy from COVID-19. Remember to wash your hands and wear your mask as you celebrate this holiday season!