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Writer's pictureCurry Estate

Halloween … Then and Now

Did you know that Halloween as we know it is over 2,000 years old? At the time, the Celts celebrated their new year on November 1, when summer and the harvest were officially over and the cold, dark winter was about to begin. They believed that on the evening before the new year, the “season of life” met “the season of death,” when evil spirits would rise from their graves and walk among the living. To confuse and ward off these spirits, the Celts wore disguises and lit huge, sacred bonfires. They left bowls of food outside their doors in hopes that the spirits would not try to enter their homes.


It wasn’t until the mid-1800’s, when the Irish potato famine drove millions of the Irish to America, that we were introduced to this ancient Celtic tradition. The Irish still wore costumes, but instead of bonfires, they lit lanterns carved from gourds.


By the early 20th century, Halloween had become widely accepted as an American institution, and today, the Hudson Valley is one of the most popular places to celebrate. In Dutchess County alone, there are hundreds of Halloween-themed events, including showings of Dracula at Bannerman Castle, Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion in Wappingers Falls, and on October 27, “A Murderous Monster Mash-up” will take place right here at Curry Estate.


This murder mystery is a reunion of all of your favorite guys and ghouls! But wait, is that the Wolfman's gal on Dracula's arm? It seems like everyone's patience is as thin as the veil between the living and the dead. The dead can't die again...or can they?


Join us for a three-course dinner with selection of entrees, a cash bar, entertainment from Murder Cafe, and a costume contest with prizes. It’s a Halloween event not to be missed!



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