Police Patrols And Restrictions Limit Halloween Festivities
Over the weekend, Shanghai police patrolled downtown areas to curb Halloween celebrations in the city. Authorities appeared determined to prevent a repeat of last year’s events, when crowds gathered in central Shanghai dressed in costumes that made light of sensitive topics like the stock market, youth unemployment, and COVID-19 policies. This year, constant rain, a heavy police presence, and online warnings kept Halloween revelry to a minimum.
Reports of Detained Partygoers
At least half a dozen costumed attendees in Zhongshan Park were reportedly detained by police, according to Reuters witnesses. Local district officials sent notices to businesses ahead of the weekend, encouraging family-friendly activities while discouraging adult costume events. In the Jing An nightlife district, a bar owner was asked to sign an agreement pledging not to hold costume-related events to “maintain good social order and public image.” Reuters reviewed a copy of the signed order, though Jing An district police did not comment.
One attendee in skeleton makeup reported being detained by police and escorted to an administrative building to remove his makeup, highlighting the heightened scrutiny on public Halloween celebrations.
By Saturday, Shanghai’s Halloween crackdown became a trending topic on Chinese social media. On platforms like Weibo, users expressed concern over shrinking freedoms even in “relatively open” Shanghai. Official Halloween events, such as those at Shanghai Disney Resort and Happy Valley Amusement Park, continued as scheduled, underscoring the contrast between sanctioned and public celebrations.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
