Witch holidays in October are a fascinating and enchanting time for those who follow or have an interest in witchcraft and pagan traditions. This month is particularly special as it brings forth the energy of autumn, with its cool breeze, falling leaves, and the arrival of the mysterious and magical Halloween. One of the most well-known holidays in October is Samhain, which is celebrated by Wiccans and pagans. Samhain, also known as the Witch's New Year, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It is believed that during this time, the veil between the living and the spirit world is thinnest, allowing for communication with ancestors and departed loved ones. It is common for witches to honor their ancestors and perform rituals to connect with the spirit realm.
British singer Billy Idol performs during the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
The Rebel Yell singer, blond-haired peroxide enthusiast and ace snarler is back in Vegas to deliver more, more, more signature tunes like Eyes Without a Face, White Wedding and Cradle of Love. The Rebel Yell singer, blond-haired peroxide enthusiast and ace snarler is back in Vegas to deliver more, more, more signature tunes like Eyes Without a Face, White Wedding and Cradle of Love.
It is common for witches to honor their ancestors and perform rituals to connect with the spirit realm. Another holiday observed in October is Mabon, which is the autumn equinox. It is a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and to prepare for the winter months ahead.
Top 10 things to do in Las Vegas this week
Dita Von Teese’s “Jubilee!” tribute, the Las Vegas Book Festival and Billy Idol top this week’s lineup of things to do in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Review-Journal October 19, 2023 - 8:41 am“Dita Las Vegas: A Jubilant Revue" opens at Thursday in the Jubilee Theater at Horseshoe Las Vegas. (Albert Sanchez/Pedro Zalba)
SHOWS
‘Dita Las Vegas: A Jubilant Revue’
When “Jubilee!” closed at Bally’s Las Vegas, following a run that lasted from 1981 to 2016, the Strip was left without a showgirl production. Dita Von Teese is bringing some of that magic back by using some of the show’s costumes and sets in “Dita Las Vegas: A Jubilant Revue.” The burlesque star’s resident show opens at 9 p.m. Thursday in the Jubilee Theater at Horseshoe Las Vegas, aka the former Bally’s. Tickets start at $59; ticketmaster.com.
BOOKS
Las Vegas Book Festival
Terry McMillan (“Waiting to Exhale,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”), Ana Reyes (“House in the Pines,” a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection), Rebecca Yarros (“Fourth Wing,” No. 1 on the New York Times hardcover fiction list) and Malcolm Nance (“They Want to Kill Americans: The Militias, Terrorists, and Deranged Ideology of the Trump Insurgency”) headline the Las Vegas Book Festival. The largest literary event in Nevada is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St.
British singer Billy Idol performs during the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
MUSIC
In the midnight hour, she cried more, more, more, and once again Billy Idol has responded in the affirmative. The “Rebel Yell” singer, blond-haired peroxide enthusiast and ace snarler is back in Vegas to deliver more, more, more signature tunes like “Eyes Without a Face,” “White Wedding” and “Cradle of Love.” See him at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Wednesday as well Oct. 27 and 28 at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Tickets start at $72.48; ticketmaster.com.
Donato Cabrera, music director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic and California Symphony, on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, in Las Vegas. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto
MUSIC
Las Vegas Philharmonic
Donato Cabrera opens his 10th and final season as music director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic with “Cabrera Conducts Symphonic Spectacular.” The evening will include performances of Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries,” Strauss’ “Blue Danube Waltz” and Rossini’s “William Tell Overture.” It’s scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center, with a 30-minute lecture at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29; thesmithcenter.com.
Filmmaker and author James Spooner has curated the Punk Rock Museum’s latest temporary exhibit, “Black Punk Now – After Afro-Punk, Beyond Bad Brains,” which debuts Friday. (Ed Marshall Photography)
EXHIBITS
‘Black Punk Now — After Afro-Punk, Beyond Bad Brains’
Twenty years ago, James Spooner directed “Afro-Punk,” a poignant, insightful look into the lives of African-Americans involved in the overwhelmingly white punk scene. Now, Spooner has curated the Punk Rock Museum’s latest temporary exhibit, “Black Punk Now — After Afro-Punk, Beyond Bad Brains,” which debuts at noon Friday. Spooner is also releasing his new anthology book, “Black Punk Now,” that day and will be at the museum, 1422 Western Ave., to speak with guests and sign copies of the book. Tickets are $39, $20 for locals; thepunkrockmuseum.com.
Side Piece Pizza is offering a buy-one-get-one-half-off special for 14-inch pies on Mondays in October. (Anthony Mair)
FOOD
On Monday and Oct. 30 at Side Piece Pizza in Red Rock Resort, folks who purchase a 14-inch pie can purchase, for 50 percent off, a second 14-inch pie of equal or lesser value. Side Piece serves New York-style pizzas such as cheese, vegetable, pepperoni, meat lovers and white pies. It also serves salads, antipasti, stromboli and desserts.
Johnathan L. Wright
Items on display at Cemetery Pulp, a shop of oddities, comics and more, on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto
SHOPPING
Haunted flea market
Need to buy some dead stuff? With Halloween approaching, of course you do. So don’t miss the Night of the Ghouls Haunted Flea Market at Cemetery Pulp, 3950 E. Sunset Road, the city’s finest spot for embalmed animals and more. There will be live music, sideshow performances, tarot readings and more from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Free.
FOOD & DRINK
On Tuesday, Locale Italian Kitchen, 7995 Blue Diamond Road, Suite 106, will present a five-course dinner featuring pours from the Banfi Wines portfolio of Italian wines. Pairings include choice of seared Alaskan halibut, grilled quail or grilled bavette (flap steak) with ’19 Castello Banfi Magna Cum Laude Super Tuscan. Cost: $125. Seatings: 5 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations: localelv.com or 702-330-0404.
Johnathan L. Wright
A pregame ceremony takes place on the ice at The Dollar Loan Center in Henderson before the start of an AHL game between the Henderson Silver Knights and the Bakersfield Condors, Saturday, April 2, 2022. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)
SPORTS
Silver Knights’ home opener
The San Jose Sharks haven’t been holding up their end of the rivalry with the Golden Knights lately. Maybe it will make for a better game when their AHL affiliates face off as newly named captain Jake Bischoff leads the Silver Knights against the San Jose Barracuda in Henderson’s home opener. Be there at 7 p.m. Friday at the Dollar Loan Center. Tickets start at $34; axs.com.
BLOOD DRIVE
From 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26, Remedy’s Tavern, 3265 St. Rose Parkway, Henderson, is joining with Vitalant blood services to hold a blood drive in the parking lot of the bar in support of the Professional Firefighters of Nevada. To schedule a blood donation, call Vitalant at 877-258-4825. During October, Remedy’s and Distill tavern locations will donate sales proceeds from special Tito’s or Jack Daniel’s cocktails ($10), #VegasStrong shirts ($20) and #VegasStrong jackets ($40) to the firefighters organization.
Terry McMillan (“Waiting to Exhale,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”), Ana Reyes (“House in the Pines,” a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection), Rebecca Yarros (“Fourth Wing,” No. 1 on the New York Times hardcover fiction list) and Malcolm Nance (“They Want to Kill Americans: The Militias, Terrorists, and Deranged Ideology of the Trump Insurgency”) headline the Las Vegas Book Festival. The largest literary event in Nevada is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St.
Many witches celebrate Mabon by creating altars adorned with fruits, vegetables, and other symbols of the season. They may also perform rituals to express gratitude and to seek balance in their lives. Of course, no discussion about witch holidays in October would be complete without mentioning Halloween. Although it has become more commercialized, Halloween originally had deep roots in pagan and witchcraft traditions. It was believed that on Halloween night, spirits and supernatural beings roamed freely, and it was customary to wear masks and costumes to disguise oneself from these entities. Witches may use this night for divination, spellwork, or even to simply celebrate their connection to the magical and mysterious. In conclusion, witch holidays in October are a time for witches and pagans to connect with the energies of the season, honor their ancestors, and celebrate the magic of autumn. Whether it is through rituals, spells, or the simple act of embracing the spirit of Halloween, these holidays provide a wonderful opportunity for witches to deepen their connection to nature and their craft..
Reviews for "The Sacred Symbols of Halloween: A Witch's Guide"
1. John - 2 stars
I watched "Witch holidays october" with high hopes of a spooky and entertaining film, but I was sorely disappointed. The storyline was weak and predictable, with no real surprises or twists. The acting was subpar, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. Overall, the film lacked the suspense and excitement that I was expecting from a Halloween-themed movie. I would not recommend "Witch holidays october" to anyone looking for a captivating and thrilling experience.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I couldn't wait to watch "Witch holidays october" after hearing positive reviews, but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The plot was confusing and disjointed, jumping from one scene to another without proper development. The dialogue was cheesy and the special effects were laughable at best. It felt like a low-budget production that failed to deliver on its promises. I regret wasting my time on this film and would advise others to steer clear of "Witch holidays october."
3. Michael - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Witch holidays october" as a fan of supernatural films, but unfortunately, it fell short. The pacing was slow and dragged on unnecessarily, making it difficult to stay engaged. The scares were minimal, and the movie relied on clichés and jump scares that only elicited cheap thrills. The characters were underdeveloped, and their motivations were vague, making it hard to care about their fates. Overall, "Witch holidays october" lacked originality and failed to deliver a truly spooky and captivating experience.