Every October, Catholics debate whether participating in Halloween is acceptable or not. Some consider that there is nothing wrong with a fun day of costumes and candy, while others claim it is problematic to partake in a pagan holiday that celebrates the demonic. Actually, both sides are right! However, Halloween is not an evil pagan holiday, nor should it be considered just a fun day of costumes and candy. The word comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” that is, the Vigil of All Saints’ Day, when we remember those who have gone before us to enter our heavenly home. Halloween is such a genuinely Catholic celebration that All Saints’ Day is even a Holy Day of Obligation!
With all this in mind, the ‘Holywins’ (“Holiness wins”) celebration was born. This initiative originated in France in 2002 and has spread to many other places in the world. Children dress up as their favorite saints, play games, sing songs, and share food and candy. For instance, the Diocese of Alcalá de Henares in Spain began celebrating Holywins in 2009 and organizes games, workshops, a procession to the cathedral, family activities, and Eucharistic adoration. If you want to know more about how to celebrate Holywins with your family, click here to read this Catholic News Agency article.