Young Celebrate Halloween in Downtown Tehran: Costumes, Makeup and Street Celebrations Ahead of October 31
The Importance of the October 30 Photographs
The photographs by Morteza Nikoubazl offer more than a record of Halloween costumes.
They capture an everyday urban moment in Tehran and document a particular form of youth participation in international popular culture.
The images show different individuals and groups expressing themselves through clothing, makeup and photography.
They also provide international audiences with a visual perspective on contemporary life in the Iranian capital.
Photography has an important role in documenting social and cultural changes.
A single collection of images cannot explain the full complexity of a society, but it can preserve details of a particular moment that might otherwise remain unnoticed.
In this case, the photographs record Halloween-inspired street scenes on October 30, 2026, shortly before the annual celebration.
Their value lies in documenting the people, costumes and atmosphere of that specific occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween in Iran
Do people celebrate Halloween in Iran?
Some young people in Iran participate in Halloween-inspired activities, including wearing costumes, applying themed makeup, attending gatherings and taking photographs. However, Halloween is not an official Iranian holiday or a traditional national celebration.
When were the Tehran Halloween photographs taken?
The photographs were taken on October 30, 2026, in downtown Tehran, Iran, by Morteza Nikoubazl for NurPhoto via Getty Images.
When is Halloween celebrated in 2026?
Halloween takes place on October 31, 2026. It falls on a Saturday.
Do Iranian women celebrate Halloween?
Some young Iranian women participate in Halloween activities by wearing creative costumes, experimenting with makeup and posing for photographs. The October 30 photographs from Tehran document several women taking part in the occasion.
October 31, 2026 | 6:19 pm
