Greeks who scoff at Halloween, saying it has nothing to do with the traditional Greek way of life, should think again. While much of the Western world enjoys the festivities associated with the ghoulish festival, Greece is actually the place where celebrations in honor of the dead had begun.

Back in antiquity, the ancients would take the dead to the banks of the River Styx so that the ferryman, Charon, could take them across the river banks. In Christianity, the celebration was converted to the feast of all saints day – November 1 – or the “hallowed ones” where the Orthodox church prays for evil spirits to leave the dead… Hence All Hallowed Eve is now Halloween…

Tricking or treating, however, puts the spirits of the dead in a different perspective and with the arrival of expats to Greece and the affects of global television, the once popular party for the dead is now back in fashion.

Here are some events worth attending:

* Trianon cinema (21 Kodrigktonos Street, Athens) has a special spooky Halloween film festival with live music, trick or treats, make up artists and theme related accessories. It kicks off on October 27: 6 p.m. Trick or Treat (1986) 8 p.m. Nightmare before Christmas (1992) 9.30 p.m. Live music by Total Starlight, followed by a Halloween party.

October 28: 6 p.m. Pumpkinhead (1988), 8 p.m. Halloween (1978) and 10 p.m. The Crow (1994) Admission is at 7 euros per day

* Starbucks has its own Halloween Party at Monastiraki Square at 7 p.m. with Facepainting and other happenings!

* The Hard Rock Cafe (52 Adrianou Street, Athens) is celebrating Halloween with the theme “Helter Skelter” . ”Trick or treat”? Halloween Party! Guests are invited to join in the magic of Halloween! Dress-up with your best horror costume and join in for the best party in town! Amazing decoration, cocktails, Hard Rock food and lots of music! Takes place at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

* Demons and Witches-themed Halloween on October 31, 2015, at Beer Tales (52 Fokionos Negri, Athens, tel 213 0256151)

* Join in the spooky Greek Halloween at Apla Ellinika

* Mike’s Irish Bar (6 Sinopsis Street, Athens, tel 210 7776797) could not be missing from the spooky festivities on Saturday, October 31:

* Onar Rock Cafe’s (53 Fokionos Negri St. Athens) Halloween night takes place for the 6th year in a rowand is the only place where you can enjoy a Halloween hocktail with magic filters… wear your spcial costume and let the club’s make up artist give you that final creepy touch to the sound of spooky music all night long…

* The brand new Cinema Coffee House (cnr of Miltiadou and Gargitou sts, Palini) say “boo!” at their opening event.

* The brand new Cinema Coffee House (cnr of Miltiadou and Gargitou sts, Palini) say “boo!” at their opening event.

* Rouky cafe’s Halloween party… at the isle of Salamina!

* Spooky beers and scary atmosphere at the Arch Beer House (91-92 Ethnikis Antistaseos, Peristeri) at 9 p.m. on Friday.

* Excalibur (4 Orminiou St, Ilissia) puts on its annual Halloween Party at 11 p.m. on Friday with horror!

* Halloween is juicy at American Burger (4 Vouliagmenis Avenue, Elliniko, 210 962996) at 11 p.m. on Saturday. Admission free.

* Spooky things are happening this Halloween! Put on your creepiest costume and bring along your finest Jack O’ Lantern at Nelly’s Gastro Pub (3 Plastira Street, Voula) at 9 p.m. on Saturday.  Prizes awarded for best male, female, group costume and Jack O’ Lantern!!!

* And here’s one for kiddies…Oliver’s Halloween Party takes place at Oliver Family House (39 Metaxa Street, Glyfada) at 6 p.m… Broom Parking is available.

* Playgroup Hellas (37B Street, Agia Paraskevi, tel 210 609 0770) celebrates Halloween at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Parents are invited to bring their own snacks with a Halloween twist. The most inventive dish gets a prize. Children are invited to dress up (7 euros entry, 10 euros for siblings) or for non-members it is 10 euros and 15 euros for total siblings regardless of how many. Call in advance to book a place.

* Trunk or Treat!  Its that time of year again….So join in for The 6th annual Trunk or Treating… initially on Saturday, October 31st, but now scheduled for the weekend Nov 6-7 (TBA)…If you haven’t joined before, organizers have a Car Boot Trick/Treat in a parking lot in the Politia/Kifissia area. Exact location to be announced next week. All families who would like to join us we begin at 4pm. Have candy ready… Also in the past, there were families who went “all out “to welcome trick-or-treaters…..zombies, graveyards….candles….it was very spooky….Several families set up games at their cars with prizes for the kiddies. There are wonderful ideas for decorating your trunks on the internet!!

* A Halloween Party for the kiddies at 1 Kalymnou Street, Vari:

* The Halloween fund-raiser for ACS is scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 4-9 p.m. The school will also be selling candy, drinks, Halloween treats, warm pumpkin soup and other surprises such as its annual haunted house. There is no admission free. Address: cnr of 129 Agias Paraskevis Avenue and Kazantzaki sts, Halandri, tel 210 6070206

* St. Catherine’s British Embassy School is hosting its annual Halloween event on Saturday, November 7, from 4-7 p.m. Admission prices are still to be announced but kids under 2 years of age can get in for free. Address: 77 Sofokli Venizelou Ave. Call 210 282 9750.

* The main corridor at Deree last year was decked out in its “darkest”… There were also campus activities including pumpkin carving. This year Halloween will be celebrated on October 29 and October 30. CLICK HERE.

* Take part in the British Council’s Halloween Photo Competition. The announcement:

We want to see your best Halloween costumes. Can you scare us? Impress us? Make us laugh? Send us your photos and we will put them on our spooky Halloween Facebook. Then get your friends and family to like the photo. At the end of the month, the photo with the most likes wins the prize.

To enter, students must have their photo taken dressed in a Halloween costume and email the photo and the consent form to halloween@britishcouncil.org.vn. The photo will then be published on the British Council Vietnam English Facebook page. The four photos with the most likes by 17.00, 30 October will win a Samsung tablet (1 prize for primary girl, primary boy, secondary girl, secondary boy).

* Get ready to be spooked at the Skullbar Athens at 11 Kotsoni Avenue and Ippokratous sts (near Alexandras Avenue). The party includes music and a horror film fest!

* Keg ‘n’ Crew is at 83 Akti Miaouli Street, Piraeus.

* Rock Dragon is at 38 Lefkosias Street, Glyfada. The Halloween party includes prizes for the best costume, games like “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” and fireworks!

* Don’t forget the Haunted House at Allou Fun Park at Rendi (for teenagers)

* Soon to be announced: The 6th annual “Trunk or Treating/Trick or Treating” event is something expats look forward to. It usually takes place at a parking lot somewhere in Athens with goody tables offering Halloween-styled munchies and the like. Watch this space for more info.

* Or why not create your own Halloween-themed party at home?

Aristokratikon’s (7 Voulis Street, Athens, tel 210 3220546) Halloween chocs and candy are great for the occasion!

Where to find Halloween costumes: ELC, Jumbo, H&M, Imaginarium, Amazon and from putting together a few things in your closet!