In just a few days time, it will be Halloween weekend, and along with the ghosts, the ghouls and the things that go bump in the night, there will be some very special, extra-spooky activities going on all over the Riviera with Halloween fun for all the family.

Traditionally a Celtic festival called Samhain, the word Halloween originated in the 16th Century and was shorted from All-Hallows Even or the night before All Hallows Day, and is said to be the one night of the year when the dead can walk the earth again freely. These days you are more likely to see people dressed up to go Trick-or-Treating or carving Jack-O'Lanterns out of pumpkins than you are to spot a zombie, werewolf or witch strolling around the Place Masséna, but then again you never know, so don't forget your crucifix and your garlic when you're out and about this weekend!

To kick off the ghostly festivities, the town of Beaulieu is having a Halloween party on Monday 31st October for all the family. The event will start at 15h00 in the Place Marinoni and amongst other fiendish pleasures there will be a party for the kids, face painting and a Jack-O'Lantern parade through the streets. Entry is free and dressing up is recommended! For more information you can contact the Beaulieu Mairie on 04.93.01.02.21

Stars'N'Bars in Monaco is also planning their annual Halloween event on the 31st October and this year the party promises to be scarily good! There will be a party with a buffet and unlimited soft drinks from 18h00 to 21h00 for kids and the celebrations continue from 21h00 onwards for the grown-ups.

Head over to the port and check out their events including Trick-or-Treating, a snake charmer, magicians, a Halloween themed show and lots more! Again, dressing up is highly recommended and don't forget your goodie bag to collect your Halloween candy! Entrance costs 23€ for children and 33€ for adults, and more information can be found on their website or by calling +377.97.97.95.95

The town of La Colle sur Loup is also getting in on the Halloween action and have two events planned for this weekend. The Mairie are holding a Halloween party on Saturday 29th October from 17h30 and starting at the Tourist Office, children and grown ups will parade through the streets of La Colle sur Loup to the Salle du Jeu de Paume where the party will be held. Costumes and dressing up are compulsory for everybody!

There will also be a Halloween Exhibition from the 26th October until the 1st November from 9h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00 in the Salle d'exposition of the Tourist Office. Photos, costumes and much more will be on display and you can call 04.93.32.68.36 for more information.

And for grown-ups who want to join in the fun, the Blue Lady Pub in Antibes is hosting a Halloween Party on the 31st October from 20h-23h. Crawl, creep or fly over to the Blue Lady, get dressed up (see above to get an idea of what's expected of you!) in your scariest outfit, join in their Treasure Hunt around the Old Town of Antibes and then party on to music from the live band Number 9.

Whatever you end up doing this Halloween weekend, remember, everyone's entitled to one good scare but there's no such thing as the bogeyman........or is there? Happy Halloween!

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