Where to Spend Halloween in Buenos Aires - American Style

Halloween, or Noche de Brujas in Spanish, is not particularly big in Argentina, although with the large crowd of expats in Buenos Aires, it has steadily been getting bigger, with more and more Halloween parties each year, offering a more American-style Halloween. While you may not see kids trick or treating in the streets, there are a number of other ways to spend Halloween in Buenos Aires in 2015.

[caption id="attachment_8437" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Celebrate Halloween in Buenos Aires this year![/caption]

Halloween parties in Buenos Aires

One of the most famous Halloween parties in Buenos Aires is the Halloween Pub Crawl hosted by Buenos Aires Pub Crawl. These guys are no strangers to the game, and attract a large, fun crowd of tourists, expats and locals. Expect a wicked night out, with everyone dressed up and ready to party. The Pub Crawl's Halloween party is so popular that they're running it two nights in a row this year. On Friday 30th, the party is in Palermo. On the 31st, you can choose between Palermo (club: Input), or San Telmo (club: Museum). Tickets can be bought in advance for AR$180 or on the day for AR$200. When: 30 & 31 October, registration is from 10-11 pm Where: Registration for both nights in Palermo is at Plaza Armenia, or Garage Bar in San Telmo on the 31st.

Another favourite with foreigners, Sugar Bar is also hosting a Halloween Party in Buenos Aires. Rest assured that people will be dressed up: a costume is required. There will be prizes for the best and hottest ones, as well as a happy hour until midnight. When: 31 October, from 9 pm Where: Costa Rica 4619, Palermo Soho

Expat favourite and king of themed parties from St. Patrick's Day to Oktoberfest, Magdalena's Party  will be throwing a big Halloween party on the 31st. Expect great drinks specials and lots of costumed partygoers. Check out their Facebook page for more details. When: 31 October Where: Thames 1795, Palermo Soho

Student organisation BAIS (Buenos Aires International Students) is hosting a big Halloween blowout at Crobar. There is only space for 1,000 people so get your tickets early. Fancy dress is compulsory with many prizes on offer for the best dressed groups and individuals. When: 30 October, from 11 pm Where: Crobar, on Marcelo Freyre, Paseo de la Infanta.

Another student organisation, Argentina for ALL is throwing their Halloween party in Niceto Club. Tickets are AR$70 and can be bought in advance. With a large group of international students, and a track record of great parties, this is guaranteed to be a big night. When: 31 October, from 11:55 pm Where: Niceto Club, Niceto 5510 

Since the student organisations know where its at when it comes to Halloween parties, another group, PALS - Estudiantes de Intercambio en Argentina - are having their party in Palacio Alsina. Besides fancy dress, there will also be a show, body painting and more. Entrance is free before 2 am. When: 31 October, from 11:55 pm Where: Palacio Alsina, Adolfo Alsina 940

For some Latin flavour, Fiesta Colombiana is throwing a big party this year in Teatro Vorterix. Besides the costumes, there will be Latin and electronic music, live sets, a light show, jugglers and more. When: 31 October Where: Teatro Vorterix, Av. Federico Lacroze 3455 Price: AR$70 for tickets booked in advance; price at the door: AR$100 for men, AR$80 for women.

[caption id="attachment_8436" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Join in the Zombie Walk to complete your spooky Halloween weekend / Source[/caption]

Alternative ways to celebrate Halloween

Get back to the roots of Halloween, with a proper Irish celebration. Yes that very American holiday we all love so much started as a celtic pagan festival, called Samhain. To celebrate, Festivales Celtas is putting on a big festival, Gran Festivales Celtas Halloween. Check their Facebook page for information on where to purchase your tickets. When: 31 October Where: Belgrano Auditorium, Virrey Loreto and Cabildo

If the darker side of Halloween, with monsters and things that go bump in the night, is more up your alley, or you're a big The Walking Dead fan, then why not take part in the Buenos Aires Zombie Walk? This is one tradition that Argentines have really got behind in recent years, as it has grown dramatically in numbers since its humble beginnings. Taking place on the 1st of November, people go all out for this one. Luckily there are makeup stands at the event to help you achieve a chic un-dead look... When: 1 November, from 12 pm to 6:30 pm Where: Plaza San Martin, Retiro

Alternatively, spend your Halloween weekend wandering around Buenos Aires's spooky spots, haunted houses, and creepy cemeteries. Check out these 5 Spooky Legends to help plan your Halloween hauntings in Buenos Aires.

[caption id="attachment_8438" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Visit the land of the dead for something spookier this year / Source[/caption]

Where to Shop for Halloween?

• Whether you're looking for a ready-made Halloween costume, shopping for materials to make your own, or searching for decorations to host your own Halloween party, head to the neighbourhood of Once. The costume and party shops are concentrated particularly on Lavalle street, between Callao and Pasteur. You'll find plenty of options here, both to rent and to buy.

• If you want to get creative, another good option is to Juan Perez, a massive thrift store with a treasure trove of interesting finds. You can find it on Marcelo T. de Alvear 1441 - 1355.

 

Being abroad doesn't mean having to let go of your favourite traditions. There are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween this year in Buenos Aires, for both the party people and the horror fans.

Looking for more exciting things to do around Halloween? Check out our tours and activities in Buenos Aires!

By Nicole Eberhard