Author: Edward Mugarian

Editor of Halloween Living Magazine, and a Detroit, Michigan native. After earning a B.A. in English at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, Ed pursued opportunities in public relations and management that helped mold him personally and professionally, developing his skills in writing and editing, marketing and advertising, public speaking and media relations. As well as broadening his experience in administrative leadership. In addition, he pursued film and special effects makeup programs in both Detroit and Los Angeles and worked on set as a special effects make-up artist. His passion for being a Halloween and horror film “geek” have been a constant throughout his life - cutting his teeth on the extraordinary works of Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, H.P. Lovecraft, and the great Shirley Jackson. His youth was spent hustling through haunted houses, and seeing the latest 70’s & 80’s horror films at the midnight drive-ins and local movie houses. He's also an avid horror film and movie memorabilia collector. One could say, he's autumn over summer. Pumpkins over pineapples. Horror over drama; and wearing black over anything else.

The Timeless Horror and Genius of Edgar Allan Poe

Posted by Edward Mugarian in Art & Literature on June 18th, 2024

What would Halloween be without Edgar Allan Poe, the master of macabre and the architect of American Gothic literature? His haunting tales and chilling poems have become synonymous with the spirit of the season, evoking the eerie ambiance that defines Halloween. From the mournful raven croaking “Nevermore” to the relentless beating of a tell-tale heart, Poe’s works imbue the holiday with a sense of timeless dread and dark beauty. His stories of premature burials, vengeful specters, and sinister mysteries provide the perfect backdrop for ghostly gatherings and candlelit readings, ensuring that Halloween remains a celebration of the shadowy and the supernatural. Without Poe, the holiday would lose a vital thread in its tapestry of terror, missing the profound psychological horror that only he could so masterfully deliver.

Continue reading “The Timeless Horror and Genius of Edgar Allan Poe”

Why We Love Haunted Houses: The Thrill of the Fright

Posted by Edward Mugarian in Entertainment on June 11th, 2024

Haunted houses are immersive attractions designed to evoke fear and excitement through a combination of detailed sets, special effects, and live actors. As visitors navigate dark corridors and eerie rooms, they encounter a series of carefully crafted scares that range from sudden jumps and unsettling sounds to intricate storylines involving ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural entities. These attractions tap into deep-seated fears and curiosities, providing a safe yet thrilling environment to confront the unknown. The adrenaline rush and heightened emotions experienced in haunted houses can offer a unique blend of terror and exhilaration, making them a popular pastime, especially during the Halloween season.

Continue reading “Why We Love Haunted Houses: The Thrill of the Fright”

Halloween Artwork: A Celebration of Creativity and Spookiness

Posted by Edward Mugarian in Art & Literature on June 4th, 2024

Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is a festival rich in traditions and cultural significance. Beyond the costumes, candy, and haunted houses, one of this holiday’s most expressive and visually captivating aspects is its artwork. Halloween artwork encompasses a wide range of creative expressions, from traditional to contemporary, all capturing the essence of the eerie, the whimsical, and the macabre.

Continue reading “Halloween Artwork: A Celebration of Creativity and Spookiness”

Halloween in Mexico: Honoring the Dead with Día de los Muertos

Posted by Edward Mugarian in Halloween Happenings on May 27th, 2024

In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) spans November 1st and 2nd. This vibrant celebration honors deceased loved ones with altars (ofrendas) adorned with photographs, marigolds, and favorite foods of the departed. Sugar skulls (calaveras) and intricate paper decorations are integral to the festivities, reflecting a blend of indigenous practices and Catholic traditions.

Continue reading “Halloween in Mexico: Honoring the Dead with Día de los Muertos”

Ghoulish Galas: Exploring The Top 5 Halloween Parades Across the United States

Posted by Edward Mugarian in Halloween Events on May 15th, 2024

As the crisp autumn air descends and the leaves turn to shades of orange and gold, communities across the United States come alive with the spirit of Halloween. While trick-or-treating and haunted houses are staples of the season, one of the most exciting and vibrant ways to celebrate the holiday is through Halloween parades. From coast to coast, these spectacles of spookiness bring together revelers of all ages to showcase their creativity, camaraderie, and love for all things eerie.

Continue reading “Ghoulish Galas: Exploring The Top 5 Halloween Parades Across the United States”