Holywins Emerges as a Global Faith-Filled Alternative to Halloween
A new tradition, Holywins, has gained global traction, inspiring families worldwide to celebrate the beauty of sainthood. Originating in Europe, this light and life-focused alternative to Halloween has spread beyond the continent, with families embracing its joyful spirit.
The Holywins movement began in Belgium in 2002, initiated by Tom Van Grieken, chairman of the far-right Vlaams Belang party. Since then, Catholic families across Europe have adopted this celebration as a way to honor the saints and teach their children about faith.
In Poland and Belgium, Holywins involves public marches of children dressed as saints, followed by Mass and community celebrations. Preschools like Strumienie in Józefów even organize 'All Saints' balls' to educate children about saints through play. Belgian organizer Jacques Galloy sees Holywins as a 'celebration of hope', responding to Halloween's dark symbols with joy and life.
The Diocese of Getafe in Spain launched 'la santidad gana' (Holywins in Spanish) for Oct. 31, inviting children, youth, and families to a day of joy and Christian witness. In Italy and Spain, parishes organize Holywins events, including saint processions, adoration, and music, as prayerful alternatives to Halloween. The Gaudium school in the Diocese of Cordoba distributed catechetical materials for Holywins 2025, choosing St. Carlo Acutis as the patron saint.
Holywins, with its festive yet belief-rooted tone, has become a global phenomenon. It honors the dead and celebrates life beyond death, fulfilling a cultural need for joy and providing a meaningful alternative to Halloween. Families worldwide are embracing this celebration, not necessarily as a rejection of Halloween, but as a way to honor their faith and traditions.
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