Managing a Socially-Distanced Halloween and Its Discontents
As Montreal is currently a red zone due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Québec government’s new guidelines stipulate that private gatherings are strictly prohibited. While changes are happening every day, one can’t help but wonder what will be happening to Halloween this year.
Will small gatherings be allowed in open spaces? Will a limited number of people be allowed to meet up at a private residence? Will children be allowed to go trick-or-treating?
This isn’t the first time that traditional Halloween plans were met with unforeseen circumstances. In fact, last year, Montreal’s mayor, Valérie Plante, infamously postponed Halloween, and therefore trick-or-treating, to November 1st due to severe wind and thunderstorm warnings.
Once again, our current circumstances require people’s adaptability when it comes to their Halloween plans.
Aside from bingeing Hallowing treats as well as watching childhood staples to the likes of Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, participating in virtual events, which are brought to you by Vanier Student Life, is another way students can enjoy the holiday.
Among many events that are to be held on October 30th between 3 and 5 pm, some include a Tarot card reading, caricatures, and pumpkin carving. Upon signing up, one can decide when exactly within the aforementioned time slot they would like to participate.
No supplies are needed for the tarot reading or the caricatures. However, for pumpkin carving, you will need to bring your own pumpkin as well as carving and painting supplies because, from 7 pm to 9 pm, there will also be a Halloween scene paint night.
The next activity involves a game of werewolf, which will be held from 5 pm to 6 pm.
Finally, for those who enjoy watching Netflix and are a fan of horror movies, there will be a Netflix watch party at 9 pm. Students will; however, need to log into their own accounts in order to join.
Despite the circumstances, instead of hoping for better in the future, we can only hope to have a “Spooky” evening.
That being said, be sure to sign up before October 30th if you would like to take part in any of the activities. It will be lots of fun and it is also a safe way to celebrate Halloween, so don’t miss it!
By Rexi and Mel Spiridigliozzi
