Every year as autumn begins in Malta, supermarket shelves buckle under the demand for pumpkins and Google histories become jammed with searches for fancy dress inspiration. There can only be one reason: Halloween, the spooky celebration observed every year in many countries on 31 October.
In Malta, the celebration has become synonymous with the towns of Swieqi and Pembroke, where thousands of children in costume descend on the neighbourhoods to go 'Trick or Treating'.
Those of you already familiar with the walking route will already know that the home of JP Barthet and his wife Johanna has become a landmark visit. Each year, the couple have become exceedingly extravagant with their Halloween décor, transforming their home into a must-see event.
We met up JP, who has taken the week leading up to Halloween off work to prepare for the event. "It started out by accident, as a bit of a joke between friends, completely impromptu," he said, "and it was a huge success. That was over seven years ago and since then the whole thing has grown immensely. This year, due to demand, we are now taking over the small car park of Luxol Sports Club.
"This year the haunted house experience will include 60 actors, hundreds of props and no shortage of fake blood, as we transform Luxol car park into a terrifying experience. I can't reveal what this year's theme will be, you'll have to wait until the day", says JP, whose previous creepy themes have included haunted hospitals, jilted brides and abandoned circuses.
He doesn't gain financially from his extensive planning and hours spent setting up: for him, the event is a labour of love. "I really enjoy preparing for this event; I can channel a lot of creativity into it. Some people love Carnival or outdoor sports, but for me it's Halloween: I love seeing the ideas come to fruition. I'm lucky that my family are able to support me with ideas, as well as helping out. For me, it's great fun: lots of people coming together and seeing the look on their faces - often the adults are more scared than the children!"
JP has a full team of friends and volunteers working with him, as well as countless sponsors in order to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "In previous years we've raised well over €6,000, and I hope we can smash that amount this year" he adds.
"I would like to say I'm really grateful to Johanna, Kat, Stefano, Andrei Yowi, Nic and Luxol for the hours they have spent setting this up with me, as well as all the sponsors - last year they helped us out both financially and with things like visuals, sound and sweets."
It is evident that Halloween is increasing in popularity in Malta, but JP is aware that he is not short of harsh criticism. "People need to look into the actual origins of Halloween more, before they judge. It originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people used to light bonfires and wear costumes to scare away evil spirits. Sadly, as with so many other occasions, it is only in recent years that it has become more commercialised or abused."
The Haunted Halloween experience will start at the Luxol car park at 5pm. The event is free, but donations are encouraged as all the net proceeds from the event will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, represented here in Malta by Josette Falzon.
