Some tricks, many treats at Peshawar’s biggest Halloween party

Like all things controversial, the celebrations came under much debate at the event.

PESHAWAR: The city witnessed rare scenes of horror on Tuesday night when a hotel opened its doors for Halloween celebrations.  

Pearl Continental (PC) hotel decorated its hall with long, black drapes and lined the corridor with candles and scarecrows, creating an eerie atmosphere. An “Enter at your own risk” sign was placed at the entrance and loud, horrifying sounds could be heard as people walked in. Those with a weak heart were warned of the terrors that lay ahead.

Anam Zia, who had come to the event in a gorilla costume, excitedly claimed: “This is not entertainment; it is ‘horrifying entertainment’!” Zia lauded the efforts of the hotel management for arranging such a night.  “But laughing at Halloween’s horrors cannot make you forget the true horrors this city faces daily,” she said.

This was for the second consecutive year that Halloween was celebrated in the city. Last year too, the event was organised by PC. The children, many of whom had come not knowing what they were in for, were terrified by the ghostly sounds and spooky lighting. A zombie walking around made things worse for parents of wailing children. While some children refused to enter the hall, others forced their families to leave early.

Like all things controversial, the celebrations came under much debate. Although Safiullah Jan seemed to be enjoying the party, he said that such events must not be held. “This is not a cultural day or an Islamic festival so we should not hold these parties.”

Pleased with the turnout, the hotel management told The Express Tribune that they hope to familiarise people with festivals and traditions celebrated around the world. “The enthusiasm and participation today shows that the city still has an appetite for entertainment.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2012.