The ghostly Halloween celebrations in Kampala

By Steven Odeke

Last Saturday was the Halloween day marked in several parts of the world to celebrate the dead and at Prunes Restaurant, Wampewo Avenue.

The event, organized by Talent Africa, didn't start until around 11:00pm.

It was just like any other party affair only differentiated by the ghostly costumes, face paintings and dancing weirdly.

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Halloween is supposed to be a celebration that honours the dead, who they believe return to their earthly homes on Halloween.

I checked three bars (Bubbles O'Leary, Iguana and then Prunes) that had Halloween celebrations just to see the catchy bits about their celebrations but seem the meaning of the day has not really sunk in with most Ugandan partygoers as is supposed to be.  with time, they will get it.

Bubbles Oleary’s had on display gothic masks, ‘blood’ stained skeleton costumes, vampire bats, cobwebs and ‘graveyards’

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But for the love of parties and costume events, this day is slowly becoming one of those partygoers embrace on their calendars as seen at Prunes.

It was a fest of good music, drinking and mingling that went on deep in the night.

Revelers at Bubbles Oleary’s partying on Halloween Night

There was nothing like setting up altars to pay respect to the dead, or lighting up candles as done in Belgium or having carved pumpkins, bonfires and lanterns lit to light the paths of spirits as in China but partygoers were having a blast.

The night at Prunes went on until wee hours of morning.

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