October 24, 2007
By Tabisa Mntengwana
DRESS up funny or scary and take the kids to Howloween at the Johannesburg Zoo on Saturday, 27 October. The fun starts at 5pm.
The zoo has lined up various games, including trick or treating. "We cater for the youngsters with no scary stuff as well as for the older children and adults to scare you witless," says the zoo.
And the theme is Be afraid, be very afraid, says Sophia Mtshali, the Joburg Zoo's events manager.
Guests will be welcomed at the gate by mime artists and stilt walkers.
Halloween is originally a Celtic holiday, celebrated in Scotland and Ireland. It was believed that the Lord of Death released souls back to Earth for the night of 31 October.
On the night, the Celts would wear scary costumes in the hopes that the evil spirits would not recognise them as humans, and so would not mess with them. "This is where the tradition of dressing up in costumes on Halloween comes from," say the organisers.
Today Halloween is celebrated with fun and games around the world; children dress up and go "trick or treating" – knocking on doors asking for a trick or treat. They usually get a treat in the form of sweets.
"The kids are encouraged to dress up for the occasion - even adults are," says the zoo's brand and communications manager, Senzo Ngcobo.
Activities include the Wacky Magic Show at the Band Stand and scares at the Gorilla Platform and the Ape House. Over on the Centenary Lawn, there will be Pirates of the Caribbean games.
"Pirate games are planned for the softies and younger kids," Mtshali explains.
There will also be a Fear Factor corner, "where you will get a chance to taste eats like pizza with edible bugs or fried frogs" she says.
Tickets are R21 a person after 5pm at the gate. For more information or to confirm attendance contact Sophia Mtshali on 011 646 2000 ext 221 or Sophia@jhbzoo.org.za.
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