Haunted Happenings is a Salem tradition.

Halloween is not celebrated any place else in the world with such fun and
magic as in Salem, Massachusetts. With the changing colors of the leaves, New
England autumn brings out the ghosts and goblins that Halloween is known
for; you will find it all in Salem this October.

Haunted Happenings

The 27th Annual Salem Haunted Happenings will begin on Thursday,
October 2 with its Grand Parade and continues through November 2, 2008
with a full month of events, museums, attractions, shops, haunted houses and
fantastic dining. This year over 125 businesses, attractions, venues and events
are participating in the annual affair. At many attractions, cultural sites and
museums you will find extended hours to celebrate the spirits of Halloween!
All across the city from Front Street to Derby Street to Pickering Wharf to
Salem Common, you find something to participate in.

Haunted Happenings began as a daylong party for children. Over time it has
grown to a one week, two week and now a month long celebration. It has also
gone from a few individuals putting it together to many businesses and volunteers
working together to welcome the world’s visitors. It is our city’s gift to the
beautiful fall foliage trips and to those looking for some Halloween fun.
Along with traditional Halloween celebrations, you will also find observances
of Samhain and Day of the Dead happening in the city. These two holidays
have much in common with Halloween traditions and activities. Samhain
(pronounced sow-when, an old Celtic holiday meaning “summer’s end”) or
Festival of the Dead (as it is known in some cultures), occurs at the end of
October when the harvest season is done. Day of the Dead is generally
observed on the first day of November and is celebrated in many faith based
and ethnic communities. Only in Salem, will you find such a diverse weaving
of autumn celebrations to experience!

Salem is a fine walking city and you won't want to miss a beat during Salem
Haunted Happenings 2008, so bring good walking shoes. If walking is not
your style, then hop on and off a local trolley. From events at the numerous
museums to fabulous annual costume balls all over the city to psychic readings
to playing on the Common, October is chocked full of events to for everyone.
Salem's streets are filled with fabulous retail merchants, internationally recognized
restaurants, dramatic productions, psychic fairs, presentations of scary
and seafaring tales and games. Inns, hotels and accommodations fill up
quickly, and we encourage you to make reservations as soon as possible. Balls
and feasts tend to fill quickly too, so we recommend booking early with
these venues, also.

If you need more information, please let us know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and
browse Destination Salem’s website at www.salem.org, or the Salem Chamber
6 Haunted Happenings 2008 • Salem, Massachusetts
The City of Salem’s Haunted Happenings

2008 Festival of Commerce at www.salem-chamber.org. The calendar of events will continue
to be updated as events are added. You can also find a copy of this year’s
Haunted Happenings Event Guide in PDF format online to download at
www.salem.org. This guide is the official guide produced in collaboration with
the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Destination Salem, the City of Salem and
many fine businesses.

For discounts during Haunted Happenings and continuing to April of next
year go to www.hauntedpassport.com to purchase the city’s new Haunted
Passport! Over 70 participating businesses are involved. For more information
about this program you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We look forward to seeing you in October. Come for one day, a couple of days
or the whole month long! It promises to be a full and fun filled month of great
things to do with friends and family. Catch the spirit of America's premiere
Halloween festival in the bewitching seaport of Salem, Massachusetts!
Many thanks to the following organizations and individual’s research and
information associated with the writing of this kit.

Salem History

Destination Salem - Derby Square Tours
Jim McAllister, Historian - Peabody Essex Museum
Salem Rotary 1992 Calendar - Salem Witch Museum
Salem Wax Museum -

Wicca & Witches in Salem
Cabot Tradition of Witchcraft - Circle Sanctuary
Festival of the Dead -  Temple of Nine Wells

City Services
Ellen Talkowsky, City of Salem Special Events Coordinator
Office of Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, City of Salem