Halloween today often revolves around free candy, raucous parties, and a quick costume fix—like throwing on some cat ears and calling it a day. But take a step back in time, and you’ll find that the October holiday used to embrace a much creepier aesthetic.
In the 1920s and 1930s, revelers transformed into fantastical, eerie characters, showing up to events that looked like they were plucked right out of a horror film. Think skeletal horses, creepy masks, and a general vibe that would make even the bravest soul shiver. We've unearthed some fascinating photos that offer a glimpse into these vintage Halloween celebrations. Take a look at what Halloween used to be!
Related: 14 Halloween Decorations for People with a Sense of Humor
A Glimpse Through Time: 17 Photos That Bring History Alive
Here are some of the most interesting photos from history.
When Jack-o’-Lanterns Became Works of Art (15 Pics)
Get inspired by these unbelievably creative Halloween pumpkins.
14 Halloween Decorations for People with a Sense of Humor
You've got to be impressed by these crazy Halloween decorations!
Step into These Charming Vintage Kitchens (15 Pics)
We’ve fallen in love with these retro kitchen designs.
16 Vintage Photos of Sweet Dogs Throughout History
If you’re a dog lover, this post is for you!
We’ve Got Hold of the Coolest Collection of Vintage Photos
We’ve got hold of some fascinating historical photos. Take a look.
Time Changes Everything - 22 Amazing Before & After Photos
Click to discover some special before and after transformation photos.
15 Gripping Images Reflecting the Duality of Life on Earth
A look at a collection of digital collages that show how some people from different regions have completely opposite lives from one another.
These Might Be the Most Unusual Doors I've Ever Seen!
I can’t believe these doors actually exist!
20 Award Winning Photos of a Microscopic, Gorgeous World
The Nikon Small World Competition has been giving recognition to photomicrography images for well over 40 years. View this year's finalists here.
These Stunning Bird Photos are All Award Winners
Bird photos make for some of the most beautiful pictures possible, and these are the very best of these.
These Buildings Are Marvels of Human Creation!
Skyscrapers are the wonders of man-made construction technology and in the following article, you'll see 11 stunning buildings that will truly astonish you.
In Pictures: 2024 Black & White Photo Contest Winners
Check out the exceptional winners of the 2024 Black & White Photo Contest.
Amsterdam 100 Years Ago: Incredible Old Photos!
Have a look at some of George Hendrik Breitner's photography, which captures Amsterdam as it was in the late 19th Century and the early 1900s.
17 Poignant Photos That Are Anything But Ordinary
At first glance, you might not understand what's so special about some of these photos, but each one has a backstory that will make it unforgettable.
Are These Real Animals? 15 Stunning Sand Creations!
Andoni Bastarrika's sand sculptures are so lifelike, they'll trick you into thinking they're real animals.
24 Photos Highlight the Beauty of Buildings in the World
This fascinating photo contest celebrates some of the most outstanding architectural marvels worldwide, both ancient and modern...
16 Of the Best Astronomy Photographs Ever Taken
The wonders of our universe in 16 glorious photos.
Get Inspired to Declutter With These Before & After Photos
Take a look at these before and after pictures of decluttered home spaces that will motivate you to do the same.
These Fountains are Some of the Most Stunning in the World
This stunning collection will show you the most remarkable fountains in the world. From world record breakers to ancient landmarks, be sure to take a look.
Photo Truth: Behind the Scenes of Great Photographs...
Baba-Mail brings you the photographic truth that the photographers never wanted you to see!
15 Mind-Bending Photos That Seem Fake but are 100% Real
It’s hard to believe these astonishing pictures haven’t been photoshopped.
RARE: Early Photos of the World’s Most Iconic Landmarks
Marvel at the oldest known photos of some of the world's most historic places.
15 Amazing Images Documenting the Wonders Found Underwater
These photos won the 2018 World Photography Competition and after you see them you'll understand why....
15 Fascinating Photos That Bring 1930s China to Life
These rare photos unveil some hidden stories from 1930s China.
Throwback to the 1920s: 17 Fascinating Vintage Pics
Take a step back in time and explore a collection of stunning photos from a century ago that provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
The Art of Timing Photos is Mesmerizing! #9's My Favorite
A moment or two later and these photos would be ordinary photos instead of works of arts.
20 Fascinating Cross Sections Explained
Look at these 20 fascinating cross-sections of various things found in the world, from flowers to weapons and different mechanisms!
10 Places of Worship That'll Leave You Utterly Speechless
These stunning places of worship will dazzle you with their architectural beauty and breathtaking surroundings. Located all over the world, these beautiful buildings are bound to leave you speechless.
Discover 10 of the Most Beautiful Churches in Paris
Paris has an abundance of art, history, and architecture, which can be seen concentrated in beautiful churches photographed in the most extraordinary way.
15 Stunning Behind-the-Scene Photos From Famous Movies
Imagine finding yourself on the set of such iconic movies as The Titanic, James Bond, Star Wars, and The Shining.
Here Are 15 Rare Sights You Won't See More Than Once!
Here are 15 rare sights that you're practically guaranteed to never see more than once in your lifetime!
The Wonders of Modern Architecture are a Joy to Behold
Modern architecture has gone a long way towards defining what the world we live in looks like. Here are 15 wondrous examples from around the world.
You've Got to See This Award-Winning Aerial Photography!
Have a look at some of these incredible award-winning drone photos from Dronestagram's annual contest.
Woman Finds Incredible 1930s Time Capsule From Her Father
The Shoebox Negatives is a project by Joan Ruppert to share her late father's photogprahy form the 1930 and 40s. Go on a journey with this touching time capsule
20 Fascinating and Beautiful Moments Caught on Camera
The photos of extraordinary places and curiosities around the world are sure to spark joy and fascinate you!
There is a Mystery Behind These Beautiful Vintage Photos
These vintage photos from 1950s Switzerland and Italy are beautiful and they have a mysterious story behind them
25 Photo Restorations of US Presidents Who Lived Long Ago
This talented artist created a series of incredible photo restorations of the portraits of US presidents who lived and served before colored photography
What Did the Earliest Photographs Look Like?
Nowadays everyone has a camera, but take your mind back the time when photography was just a fantasy and imagine the thrill of seeing the first photos!
View the Winning Photographs From the Siena Photo Awards
The Siena International Photo Awards is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies anywhere in the world. View the incredible winning entries here.
15 RARE Historical Photos of World Leaders in Their Youth
Have you seen these extremely rare historical photos before?
The Best of Black & White Photography: Award-Winning Pics
Marvel at the astonishing winners of the Monochrome Photography Awards 2023.
Remember These? 15 Forgotten Kitchen Gadgets
Do you remember these quirky kitchen gadgets?
These Lighthouses Are Each More Beautiful than the Last...
Used since ancient times, the lighthouse was both a guide and a warning. These monuments are so sturdy, they take nature's beating without a flinch!
Imposing Fortresses - 14 Photos of Fairytale-Like Castles
Check out these fairytale-esque castles of the world.
Extraordinary Buildings: 13 Stunning Architectural Marvels
Aren’t these buildings just fascinating?
16 Pics That Reveal the Rarely-Seen Side of Things
These pictures show us the rarely seen side of things that might surprise you.