Halloween 2024: What Snacks Are Enjoyed Around the Globe during Spooky Season?

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© Photographer's Choice RF / Emrah Turudu

Ireland: Barmbrack (Báirín Breac)

Did you know that many Halloween traditions can be traced back to the Celtic countries, such as Ireland, Wales, and Scotland? 

In Ireland, nothing says an autumnal tradition like Barmbrack bread, which translates to "speckled loaf" (báirín breac) in Irish, a delicious loaf packed with fruit, spices, and whiskey.

Traditionally, the loaf was made for the festival of Samhain, celebrated in Ireland between October 31st and November 1st. The festival marked the end of the annual harvest and the beginning of the coming Winter.

The loaf was a main feature of the festival and traditionally, contained three items; a piece of cloth, (symbolizing would bad luck/financial difficulty) a coin, (symbolizing good fortune) and a ring, (symbolizing marriage within the year!). Each member of the family would be given a slice, with their future luck depending on the item they found in their piece.

Today, the Irish recognise Halloween, but the loaf is still popular during spooky season! If you're in the country in October or November, whiffs of spiced loaf will likely be wafting through the air. Enjoy Barmbrack with a generous slather of butter and a hot cup of tea — the perfect antidote to a gray, fall evening.