Statistics show that almost 157 million Americans celebrate Halloween each year, spending more than $6.9 billion.
In recent years, the celebration of Halloween has become very popular and not only among Americans, but worldwide. In the past, Halloween was celebrated in a modest way: kids were going from house to house to fill their bags with candies, some costume parties were held at schools and a special television program was broadcasted.
Nowadays, things are totally changed, for that Halloween increased its popularity and became a mercantile celebration. The readiness starts since September, when shops are filled with huge amounts of costumes.
On television, many scary movies are broadcasted, people get ready for all sort of parties and galas and others gather at someone’s house for celebration. All these habits made companies rub their hands in search for bigger profits.
Statistics show that almost 157 million Americans celebrate Halloween each year, spending more than $6.9 billion.
One reason Halloween became so popular is the fact that it differs very much from Christmas. While the first one is more creative, the second one implies more social duties, such as family obligations.
Experts say another reason could be represented by social media, which exacerbates the importance of this celebration. Creative ideas are posted on social platforms, get many likes and so they become very influential.
“Thanks to social media, families can’t get dressed up without posting a photo on Facebook or Instagram. That buzz that social media generates brings friendly competition to a whole other level,” says Jeff Green, an analyst.
Although Halloween used to be a party dedicated only to children, nowadays it is celebrated by adults as well. The party resembles the Comic-Con gathering, as Green stated.
Halloween became a money maker for parks such as Universal Studios, which last year gained approximately $300 million.
The entertainment industry is going to develop, as people adore being scared, so technology is going to seek new ways of horrifying people.
Kathy Allen, a member of the National Retail Federation, stated that Halloween is not a giving holiday and that has no emotions attached to it. It is simply a holiday that implies spending a lot of money. However, it is less expensive than Christmas, for example, when you have to cook and buy presents for the entire family.
Last but not least, another reason for becoming so popular is that Halloween does not take into consideration religion or tradition, thus giving everyone a sense of freedom.
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