Vantaa International School celebrates Halloween with annual event in Finland

White paper streamers and black spider webs fluttered in the wind outside Vantaa International School as its annual Halloween celebration took place on the last Saturday of October. Nearly the entire school building was covered in increasingly creepy decorations. Located in Pakkala, the school’s Halloween celebration has a long tradition, first held 17 years ago. Each year features a different theme, with this year’s chosen topic being “haunted mansion.”

Fifth graders are responsible for organizing the event, creating various activities around the chosen theme. Visitors could participate in a haunted house tour, spin a fortune wheel, or take spooky-themed portraits at a photo booth. A costume contest was also part of the festivities, as elaborate outfits, makeup, and disguises are integral to the celebration.

One of the event’s highlights was a “haunted house” tour, with lines stretching for meters during the event. The tour featured three frightening themed rooms, with participants guided by actors dressed as servers.

While fifth graders take charge, adults also help organize. One such volunteer, Saskia Gratton, reflected on her own Halloween experiences from England, noting how the decorations and celebrations in Finland have evolved over the years. Another organizer, Maija Kautonen, emphasized the importance of recycling decorations for future events.

University of Turku’s folklore expert, Kaarina Koski, noted that Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in Finland, especially as parents who have experienced the holiday in their childhoods now celebrate it with their own kids. Despite its growing acceptance, there are still those who feel it clashes with traditional celebrations.