In brief
This year's Halloween brought unexpected tension in Shanghai, where authorities took measures to restrict celebrations that once symbolized cultural expression.
Despite the festive spirit of the previous year, when young partygoers creatively voiced political views through their costumes, the Shanghai government has shifted to a more conservative approach, aiming to curb personal expression and large gatherings.As Halloween celebrations unfolded, police were seen escorting away individuals in costumes, from quirky characters like a giant poop emoji to well-known figures such as a Donald Trump impersonator. The 2023 Halloween festivities stood in stark contrast to the lively expressions witnessed last year, where costumes mirrored social grievances faced by many young Chinese.In 2022, Halloween provided a rare platform for political commentary, with revelers depicting Covid testing workers and expressing L.G.B.T.Q. identities. The government, previously praising the event as a reflection of “cultural tolerance,” marked the shift in atmosphere as a measure to prevent a resurgence of public demonstrations following the past protests against lockdowns.The once-lively Halloween scene has now become a symbol of the tightening grip on freedom of expression in China, as the government continues to scrutinize social gatherings in a climate of increasing censorship.
