IF HALLOWEEN is supposed to be spooky, at least some costumes worn this year by party-goers in the US promise to be terrifying.
Some of the more ghoulish trick-or-treaters will be dressed as emergency responders to people sick with Ebola, head to toe in protective clothing, according to costume previews on social media.
Ghosts, vampires and fairy princesses will probably continue to be the most popular costumes for the October 31 fancy dress party. But every year, it seems edgier costumes emerge from news headlines.
Costumes are meant to lampoon, “but the world is getting more serious. This is scary stuff,” said Tony Bianchi, the manager of New York Costumes.
In past years, the store has sold such ripped-from-the-headlines costumes as White House intern Monica Lewinsky and the Chilean miners trapped underground in 2010.
The Ebola virus, which has killed more than 4 000 people in west Africa, seems to be this year’s favourite among some planning for Halloween.
“If you wanna scare the hell out of people this #Halloween just dress up as #Ebola,” tweeted @samkalidi.
Photos on Twitter have shown costumes based on Ebola workers clad in goggles, rubber gloves and full-body protective suits.
And some people on social media appear to be contemplating costumes based on militants from the group Islamic State. – Reuters