Obamas welcome trick-or-treaters at annual Halloween event

People from around the world celebrated Halloween on October 30, with children being most passionate about it

WASHINGTON: The White House welcomed on Friday flocks of costumed children to its annual Halloween event where President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, gave out candy and fruit bars.

A toddler dressed as the pope who was being pushed in a "popemobile" caught Obama's attention as he and the first lady walked the South Lawn, baskets of goodies in hand for costumed trick-or-treaters.

The White House facade was partially colored in black and thronged on either side by sinister figures on stilts and plenty of pumpkins, in an effort to turn the grounds into an "enchanted forest."

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US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wave as they arrive at a Halloween trick-or-treating celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington October 30, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

US President Barack Obama receives a child dressed as Pope Francis on the South Lawn of the White House during a Halloween trick-or-treating celebration in Washington October 30, 2015. Invitees included local children and the children of military families, according to the White House. PHOTO: REUTERS

Meanwhile acrobats, trapeze artists and jugglers entertained the day's guests, local school children and military children, who were dressed as firefighters, princesses and various other characters.

The first couple did not dress in costume, with Obama wearing a brown cardigan over a gray collared shirt, and Michelle in a multi-colored tee with black jacket.

More than 4,200 people were expected at the event, where White House M&M candies, cookies, kettle corn, fruit bars and baseball cards featuring the first dogs, Sunny and Bo, were distributed.



The evening also featured the White House's first ever pavilion with La Catrina, the famous skull from Mexican folklore, which is associated with Dia De Los Muertos.

Pictures from around the world

People from around the world celebrated Halloween on October 30, with children being the most passionate about it. Here are a few fascinating pictures of celebration:

England fans wearing Halloween face paint wait for the start of the Rugby World Cup final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham in London, Britain, October 31, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

Women dressed as nuns pose for pictures during Halloween celebrations in the Shibuya district in Tokyo, Japan October 31, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

A woman walks down a stairway partially filled with decorations in the shape of carved pumpkins to celebrate Halloween in Shenyang, Liaoning province, China, October 30, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

Girls celebrating Halloween organised in US Consulate Karachi, Pakistan. PHOTO: US CONSULATE KARACHI

A group photo of participants at the Halloween event organised by US Consulate Karachi. PHOTO: US CONSULATE KARACHI

A volunteer walks with children participating in the School on Wheels Skid Row Halloween Parade for children who live in shelters, motels, cars and on the street, in Los Angeles, California, United States, October 30, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

A person dressed up as Disney character Stitch stands outside a shopping centre during Halloween celebrations in the Shibuya district in Tokyo, Japan October 31, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

Children participate in the School on Wheels Skid Row Halloween Parade for children who live in shelters, motels, cars and on the street, in Los Angeles, California, United States, October 30, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS