Iran bans Halloween celebrations, but Iranians ignore the ban to express their dissatisfaction with pumpkins and horror movies
Although the Iranian government officially prohibits celebrating Halloween, considering it as a symbol of "Western cultural invasion," young people and businesses in Tehran still secretly celebrate it through pumpkins, parties, and horror movies, expressing their dissatisfaction and pursuit of freedom.
The younger generation seeks an independent cultural identity between religious rule and nationalism. They regard Halloween as a window for emotional release and self-expression. At the same time, this phenomenon reflects the generational cultural differences in Iranian society and the reality of the official control over culture.
The Iranian authorities have warned merchants not to hold any Halloween activities or sell related decorations, otherwise they will be sealed and rectified by the police. Despite the ban, many cafes and stores in Tehran are secretly holding or decorating Halloween-themed events. Economic downturns have made Halloween an opportunity for merchants to stimulate consumption, with strong sales of pumpkins, costumes, and cakes.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847543347722251/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.