Toms River Hosts Second-Largest Annual Halloween Parade with Thousands Attending

Several communities celebrated Halloween with vibrant parades featuring creative and spooky themes. Richmond hosted the 20th Annual Halloween Parade organized by All The Saints Theatre Company, which featured handmade puppets with this year's theme "A Funeral March for the American Dream," showcasing political and social messages through large-scale puppetry. Meanwhile, Toms River held its 86th annual Halloween Parade, recognized as the second-largest Halloween parade globally, drawing thousands despite historical interruptions during major events. Cork, Ireland, celebrated with the Dragon of Shandon parade, a nighttime event featuring a 36-foot dragon and community participants honoring the ancient tradition of Samhain. These events highlight the cultural significance and community engagement surrounding Halloween parades across different regions.