The celebration of Halloween in Ibiza has become more and more popular over the years under the influence of the many eccentric foreigners now living and working on the island. Although many of the residents don´t seem to really need an excuse to wear fancy dress, it is definitely less frowned upon at Halloween.

On the night of the living dead one would expect to see anything from dead rock stars to corpse brides and witches to devils & other terrifying night time creatures. But, in Ibiza it would seem anything goes! Prepare to be scarily amused by the huge amount of effort that goes into making each and every costume and pleasantly surprised by the fabulous decor and lengths the bars and restaurants go to in order to convert their usually chic establishments into houses of terror!

The most renowned Halloween party on Ibiza is without a doubt the one thrown by Bambuddha Grove - a ‘Mediterrasian’ lounge, bar & restaurant. Tables must be reserved weeks in advance and there is a very strict "no costume, no entry" policy, no matter who you are (or think you are!) Be sure to arrive early to avoid the huge crowds of people queuing for entry.

Many other fabulous Ibiza businesses have recently joined in the fun and now throw amazing parties of their own. Aura, on the San Juan Road, even had their own in-house face painters for those who just couldn´t find the time to create a costume but didn´t want to miss out on the fun.

Guarana in Santa Eulalia packed out their club and terrace with terrifying locals and the best of the best winter DJ´s. The party people Rock Nights haunted Pacha with all sorts of genius costumes of dead rockstars, freaky visual shows of "beautiful monsters" and music by special guests Lurbe & Hosen (Kostrock) and their resident DJ Colin Peters.

These are just a few of the places in which we were thoroughly entertained this year, not to mention the tiny café in Santa Eulalia, Can Cote where the decorations were great and the staff costumes were horribly scary! And, it´s not just all about the adults either! Las Dalias had an amazing day for children with all sorts of arts & crafts, theatre shows, a kids disco, haunted houses and much, much more.

So now you know, if you are going to be visiting Ibiza during the month of October, around the time of Halloween, be sure to use your imagination and bring, buy or throw together any sort of attire that can be called a costume and join in the fun. Remember though that Halloween parties begin as early as the 28th of October so be sure to check with My Destination Ibiza to find out where & when it´s all happening in 2012 so that we can help you with the perfect itinerary for a great night (or weekend) out!

Charlotte Firmi, My Destination Ibiza
November 2011