Happy Halloween! Nobody is throwing a party this year, and maybe that’s for the best considering that the weather is truly horrendous. But just to do something Halloween related, I decided to write this post to look back at a bit of history.

The parties were a tradition we had with Sean and Kaidi, my flatmates in Helsinki for more than four years. We shared a big flat in Ilmarinkatu 16 that was just perfect for the purpose (though it had no bottomless pit).

The first party was in 2000 (my first year in Finland), and it was quite basic in retrospect, but loads of fun nevertheless. Unfortunately no pictures remain (but if you are reading this and have some, do send them to me!)

In 2001 we repeated the experiment, and it was as successful. This time there are pictures to prove it.

In 2002 we thought that it was enough with the classic horror stuff, and a different theme was needed. The 70s were all the rage at that time, and so the “Haunted by the 70s” 2002 Halloween Party was born. This was also the first time we had Tiina’s outstanding invitation.

In 2003 we almost had had enough, but in the end the exilharation from the previous party won over the thought of having to clean up after 50plus horrific guests. Another theme was needed, and this time the answer was out there: space! “A Nightmare From Outerspace” was the title of Halloween 2003.

In 2004, having all moved out of Ilmarinkatu, we did take a hiatus after all.

In 2005, Sean and Kaidi announced that they were leaving Finland, and it was agreed at once that they could not go without having one more Halloween. We found a venue and a theme, and the Monsters threw a grand, decadent ball.

And that’s it. This year there is no party, only memories. But they are great memories, and probably enough to get going… until the next Halloween