Spooky Season Comes to 'The Great British Baking Show's Halloween Party

If people need proof American traditions have invaded the U.K., they need look no further than this week's theme on The Great British Baking Show. That's not to say that the Brits did not celebrate Halloween in the past; All Hallow's Eve was observed long before over here even existed. However, it was not *the* fall holiday of choice. Until recently, that was Guy Fawkes Day, celebrated on November 5 with giant bonfires. Halloween was kiddie stuff, only children dressed in costume, and the traditions were more like "bobbing for apples." Trick or treating? That was purely American.

But times have changed, and though we've still failed to export Thanksgiving to the U.K. (for obvious reasons), the American tradition of adults wearing costumes and trick or treating and candy has become more of a U.K. staple in the current century. So has the pumpkin tradition, which the country has brought over hook, line, and sinker, despite that particular gourd not being their bag. However, the adoption of Halloween has added a British twist to the festivities that were not originally part of our culture: Halloween bakes.

These new bakes mix the older British traditions of fall fruits with the more recent Halloween "spooky" sensibilities, making this theme a smart one for the show to attempt. (Far better than other countries' bakes anyway.) And besides, it means the contestants all get to show up wearing Halloween-themed outfits, whether kitted out in costume or just a pumpkin print shirt. Let the festivities begin.