But there were also walking memes, rare public expressions of queer life, wry commentary on the state of China and at least one bipedal cucumber — a colorful burst of pent-up energy and emotion in Shanghai’s first big Halloween celebration in years.
In Shanghai, revelers have embraced Halloween, turning what started as a Western tradition into something distinctly Chinese.
Over four days, they celebrated many of the things that Chinese censors normally suppress: elements of L.G.B.T.
life, political and social criticism, or simply appearances that mainstream Chinese society might consider too flamboyant or strange.
“It was a sea of joy from Huaihai Road all the way to Nanjing Road,” said Eric Ding, a 23-year-old tech worker.
Persons:
”, Eric Ding
Locations:
China, Shanghai, Nanjing