Eerie Romanian Lake Sets Stage for Largest Halloween Gathering Since Communist Era

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Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has become a coveted destination for Halloween celebrations, drawing immense public interest.

Over the past weekend, Angels’ Island peninsula, also known locally as Insula Ingerilor, located within Bucharest, hosted West Side Hallo Fest. The event attracted over 80,000 attendees, making it the most significant Halloween gathering in Romania since the country transitioned from communist rule.

The location was not randomly selected; both the Angels’ Island and the neighboring Lacul Morii lake have been veiled in urban myths and legends ever since the lake’s artificial creation in the late 1980s.

A woman was seen capturing images of children beside the festival’s ornate entrance on Friday, October 27, 2023. The crowd surged into Angels’ Island, marking the event as a historic Halloween celebration in post-communist Romania.

When Lacul Morii was established, numerous buildings including hundreds of houses, two educational institutions, and a church were razed. Additionally, approximately 11,000 graves were relocated, while a significant number remained undisturbed, thereby fueling eerie narratives of wandering spirits and unexplained nocturnal phenomena.

For several years, the vicinity of the lake remained abandoned but later transformed into a popular leisure spot for the city’s inhabitants. Nevertheless, its enigmatic aura persisted, reaching a crescendo during the past weekend’s festivities.

To set the mood, the event organizers procured 18.5 tons of pumpkins and in excess of 2,300 bales of hay. Renowned Romanian floral designer Nicu Bocancea also contributed to the setting’s decor.

Models of human skeletons, monster disguises, skulls, and synthetic spider webs conjured a setting reminiscent of a horror film, captivating the attendees.

The event appeared to be a particular hit among children, who were spotted in elaborate costumes and horror-inspired makeup, joyously snapping photos with frightening entities.

One attendee brandished a faux severed head mounted on a pole while donning a shirt that simulated blood stains.

Numerous visitors paid homage to Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire Dracula, a character inspired by a medieval Romanian prince and Bran Castle, situated to the north of Bucharest and another favored destination for Halloween enthusiasts.

Prior to the fall of the communist regime in 1989, Halloween was virtually an alien concept in Romania. The festival has gained significant traction among Romanians across all age groups in recent years, notwithstanding criticism from the Romanian Orthodox Christian Church, which has previously denounced the celebration as incongruent with Romanian traditions and religious beliefs.

The coverage included contributions from Jovana Gec, a writer for Big Big News, based in Belgrade, Serbia.

From intricately designed human skeletons adorned with flowers to elaborately costumed entertainers on stilts, the event showcased an array of attractions that were extensively documented by both the participants and the media. Young and old alike, including a youth in a Dracula outfit, took advantage of the picturesque setting to capture selfies.

The festival’s success underscores the burgeoning interest in Halloween celebrations in Romania, despite its relatively recent introduction to the country’s cultural calendar. Whether intrigued by the historic tales of displaced souls or simply attracted by the prospect of communal festivities, the crowd at Angels’ Island bore testament to Halloween’s growing prominence in post-communist Romania.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about West Side Hallo Fest in Bucharest

More about West Side Hallo Fest in Bucharest

• West Side Hallo Fest Official Website
• History of Lacul Morii Lake
• Nicu Bocancea’s Portfolio
• Evolution of Halloween in Romania
• Orthodox Church’s Stance on Halloween
• Big Big News
• Bran Castle Official Website
• Jovana Gec’s Publications
• The Dracula Legend and Romanian History