In these parts, it began as a snobbery that was replicated by those who had lived in the north or felt a special affinity for the United States. For some it represented a perfect excuse that allowed them to celebrate in costume in terrifying environments and for others it meant an attack against their own customs, under the imperceptible protection of that which lies transculturation.
However, over the years and with the impact of globalization in all areas, the celebration of Halloween managed to become widespread until it took up space in the Western calendar, in cordial coexistence with the traditions of each country. Advertising, commercial decorations and the agendas of entertainment venues come together in the reminder of Halloween.
On October 30, two milestones of this kind of subculture reach interesting birthdays: the legendary radio program "The War of the Worlds" blows out 85 candles and the iconic film "Halloween night» blow 45.
Dynamic duo
Londoner H.G. Wells had already gained fame as a science fiction writer, thanks to the publication of "The Time Machine" and "The Invisible Man," when his work "The War of the Worlds" came out of print in 1898.
The story of a Martian invasion of a British countryside caught the attention of the production team of the drama series "The Mercury Theatre on the Air," broadcast on CBS Radio.
With the script written by Howard E. Koch and joint direction by Paul Stewart and Orson Wells (one of the four protagonists alongside Frank Readick, Kenny Delmar and Ray Collins), the episode was released on October 30, 1938. Nobody He imagined what would happen.
The veracity of the narrative and the conviction of the performances caused a wave of panic in New York. The listeners believed that, indeed, the aliens had arrived on the planet to destroy it. 60 minutes of the program were enough to wreak havoc.
Forty years later, American director John Carpenter revolutionized the horror genre with "Halloween," which premiered in a small theater in Kansas City, Missouri.
The formula of a group of friends who confront a serial killer, to die one by one until a final face-to-face between the perpetrator and a girl arises, when the traditional thing was for a man to survive in this type of situation. , created a formula that has been reproduced countless times.
In addition, he placed Michael Myers among the worst villains in the history of cinema and Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, among the heroines of fans of the genre.
Celta
Although at first glance you might think that the celebration of Halloween is American, the truth is that it has its origins in Celtic culture.
It was born more than 3.000 years ago as a pagan festival held by farmers to celebrate the end of summer and the arrival of the autumn solstice. Over time, the chosen date, October 31, coincided with the eve of All Saints' Day, in countries with practitioners of the Catholic religion.
With Irish roots, the northern giant is owed the projection it has given it, through the entertainment industry.
