The key facts

  • At least six municipalities in Honduras have banned Halloween this year
  • Shopping malls are banned from selling themed goods; violators face fines
  • A ban on costume contests and decorations in schools nationwide has been proposed in Congress

Municipalities impose bans

At least six municipalities in Honduras have banned Halloween celebrations this year on the grounds that the holiday allegedly promotes the spread of evil. The authorities of the city of San Juan declared that they will not issue permits for events whose 'activities, themes or content encourage or incite terror or devilish practices.' The municipality of La Libertad in the country's northwest justified the ban by 'the rejection of such symbols as witches, ghosts and monsters associated with occultism.' This was reported by AFP.

Restrictions on business and a dispute in Congress

The restrictions affect not only public events: shopping malls are required to 'refrain from promoting and selling' Halloween-related goods, and violators face fines. Although October 31 has no deep roots in predominantly Christian Honduras, in recent years the holiday has been gaining popularity among young people. The dispute has reached Congress: opposition congresswoman Dunia Jimenez proposed banning such celebrations in schools across the country, restricting 'costume contests, decorations and entertainment activities.' According to her, some citizens believe the holiday 'does not promote the spiritual, ethical and moral values' they want to instill in children.

Criticism: a secular state and citizens' freedom

The measures have also drawn criticism as an infringement on freedom of expression. Historian and cultural manager Naidely Alvarado noted in a comment to AFP that 'Halloween is not an original celebration,' but people who celebrate it privately should not be punished, since this 'undermines the secular state and restricts citizens' freedom.' Thus, alongside the municipal bans already in force, the country is discussing only a bill to restrict the holiday in schools — it has not yet been adopted.