Shadows of the Past: A Haunted Halloween in Watertown, MA
As the last light of October fades and the air chills with whispers of autumn, Watertown begins to shimmer with flickering pumpkins, glowing porches, and the laughter of trick-or-treaters. But beneath the glow lies a story as old as time — the eerie history that gave birth to Halloween… and how our own town became part of its tale.
From Ancient Fires to New England Nights
Long before there were candy buckets or doorbells ringing through Watertown’s quiet streets, there was Samhain — the Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter’s dark half.
It was said that on this night, the veil between the living and the dead grew thin. Spirits wandered freely, and villagers lit great bonfires to ward off the wandering souls. As centuries passed, these customs transformed into All Hallows’ Eve, eventually becoming the Halloween we know and love.
When early settlers came to Massachusetts, including those who built Watertown’s foundations, they brought both their faith and their fears. For Puritan New Englanders, Halloween’s ancient roots were viewed with suspicion — yet over generations, the holiday found its way back into the heart of every neighborhood, reborn as a celebration of light, community, and imagination.
Watertown’s Old Haunts
Hidden among Watertown’s bustling streets are two historic sites that still whisper tales of centuries past:
The Old Burying Ground (1665) – The town’s oldest cemetery, resting beneath the shadows of Mount Auburn Street. Moss-covered headstones mark the final resting places of some of Watertown’s earliest settlers — silent witnesses to the passing of countless Halloweens.
Common Street Cemetery (1754) – A colonial relic where time seems to stand still. When fog rolls in over the Charles River, the pale moonlight glints off centuries-old markers — an atmosphere fit for ghost stories told by candlelight.
If you walk by on a chilly October evening, you might feel it: the hush of history, the echo of footsteps from long ago… or perhaps just the rustle of fallen leaves playing tricks on the imagination.
Halloween Today: From Shadows to Celebration
Today, Halloween in Watertown is less about spirits and more about smiles. Families fill the sidewalks, porches glow with jack-o’-lanterns, and neighborhoods come alive with laughter.
But every flickering light still carries a trace of the old tradition — the idea that light protects, guides, and connects us through the dark.
A Warm Halloween Message from Markarian Electric
As the glow of jack-o’-lanterns lights up our town, Markarian Electric wishes everyone in Watertown and beyond a safe, bright, and magical Halloween!
This season is all about light — from your front porch lanterns to the twinkle of festive displays — and we’re here to help keep that light shining safely.
Electrical Tip from Our Experts:
When setting up your Halloween decorations, be sure to:
Use outdoor-rated extension cords for exterior lighting.
Avoid overloading outlets or power strips.
Always unplug decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.
Even your ghostly visitors will appreciate a home that’s safe and sound!
Stay bright, stay safe, and have a hauntingly happy Halloween!
– Your friends at Markarian Electric