It’s Halloween in American Samoa and the United States, an exciting day filled with sweet treats, silly tricks and scary fun for youngsters and the young at heart who will dress up as ghosts, ghouls, superheroes and princesses — in observance of a day that has its roots in Samhain (pronounced sow-in), an ancient harvest festival held at the end of the Celtic year.

Americans spend $5 million on Halloween, according to the Huffington Post but even in American Samoa the day is a big deal — parents spending a lot of cash on costumes, candies and carnivals.

American Samoans began celebrating Halloween early this week — with dress up days at the office and kiddie parties in just about every single classroom in the territory. Churches are also hosting Halloween parties this weekend.

Today is filled with events for Halloween lovers of all ages — there are several carnivals, a fair hosted by the Department of Human and Social Services and Halloween parties taking place in taverns around the island.

A costume contest for children ages 0-5 and 6-12 is part of the Department of Human and Social Services “I CARE” Fair being held at the Samoana campus. Prizes will be given away for the “scariest”, “cutest” and best homemade costumes. There is also treats and jumpers for the little ones.

“The Childcare Program and its partners are taking this opportunity to show how much we care about providing a healthy, safe environment for all children, especially in light of the recent natural disasters and our current state or recovery and rebuilding,” says DHSS. “So bring all your adorable ghosts, goblins, princesses and more! We look forward to seeing you all this Saturday to join us in Saying, “I CARE!”

South Pacific Academy Parent-Teacher-Organization member Chrissy Lutu-Sanchez says the Harvest Carnival is being held in honor of Pu-Hee Woo, an SPA student lost during the tsunami, as well as the families who lost loved ones, homes and more in the recent disasters.

“The SPA PTO decided to go forward with this carnival and call it the Harvest carnival — in remembrance of our island community and the losses during this disaster — but an emphasis on providing a positive event for our children and families to look forward to and enjoy,” she said.

The Calvary Chapel is hosting its annual Harvest Festival 5-9 p.m. between the stadium and the Cost-U-Less store in Ili’ili.

For the adults, there is also lots of Halloween fun — the Fashionista III "Halloween Showdown" at the Tradewinds Hotel that features a costume contest. The grand prize is a round-trip ticket to Apia. Prizes will be offered for "ugliest", "prettiest", "original" and "scariest."

Also there is a Halloween Fest at Evalani’s and a Halloween Bash at Tap’s/Maliu Mai.

Blue Sky Communications is even offering phone specials for Halloween.

Huffington Post reports that, in the US, Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas.

In sharing the history of Halloween, the Post adds: “During the mid 1800's, Irish and English immigrants flooded the United States and brought Halloween with them.”

“From these immigrants we received the Halloween traditions we recognize today...later, the immigrants who brought Halloween to America would develop their own version of trick-or-treating, but it didn’t become popular in the US until the 1930s.”

Whatever it is you are getting into today, Samoa News management and staff wishes everyone, especially the children — a safe and Happy Halloween!