Salem at Halloween

Walk into downtown Salem on a weekend afternoon in October and you'll find a mix of traditional Halloween fare - painted pumpkins, black cats, candles and incense, and haunted houses - along with real-life practicing witches. Some come out in costume for the tourists, and many are willing to speak with visitors to dispel the myths about their beliefs. The city is a mix of the commercial and the spiritual. Next door to a masks store you may find a bookstore with publications about wiccan beliefs or healing.

In 1692, the Salem Witch Trials resulted in the death of 37 people, 19 by hanging. The North Shore city today celebrates Halloween like no other, with a month-long festival-like atmosphere. Events include spell castings, parades, and even a costume ball. On Halloween weekend, the city streets are packed. If you plan to buy tickets to events around Halloween, count on a wait.

Getting There

The easiest way by road is to take Route 128 to Exit 25A, Route 114 east. Follow 114 all the way to the downtown/waterfront area. Find parking on a side street or lot. There is also public transportation. The MBTA's Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line runs up from Boston's North Station to downtown Salem.

Web Links

Attractions
Salem Witch Museum - An historical presentation about the 1692 witch trials and witches
Cry Innocent - An interactive play that draws you in as a participant in a witch trial
Witch Dungeon - A tour of the dungeon, including a recreated village and Gallows Hill
Pirate Museum - Display featuring sea robbers
Witch History Museum - A museum featuring Salem's past

Events
Festival of the Dead - The many aspects of death are explored in a two-week festival
Haunted Happenings - Salem's October events
Haunted Salem - A guide to the Salem with a calendar, history, and more
SalemWeb - Halloween in Salem
Salem Happenings Magazine - A calendar and articles about events
Salem Trolley - Narrated historic trolley tours

Witchcraft
Laurie Cabot - The most well-known present-day witch of Salem
Shawn Poirier - Who and what the Salem witches are from someone who offers readings
Salem Tarot - More about real witches

Local Shops
The Broom Closet
The Magic Parlor
Crow Haven Corner
The Fool's Mansion
Samantha's Costumes
The Trolley Depot
Artemisia Botanicals
Salem's Psychic Center

Author: C. Danko
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