In a striking display of authority, Shanghai police have intervened to stifle Halloween celebrations across the city, raising concerns regarding public expression and assembly. Over the weekend, authorities cordoned off streets and parks, dispersing crowds of costumed celebrants, amidst swirling rumors of a potential crackdown on public gatherings leading up to Halloween.
Eyewitness reports and social media footage depict a tense atmosphere as officers encouraged attendees clad in costumes to vacate popular gathering spots. In stark contrast to the previous year where revelers famously exploited the occasion to mock governmental policies through elaborate outfits – including humorous takes on surveillance and COVID testing – this year’s participants appeared to exercise caution, opting for mainstream characters such as Batman and Deadpool.
Despite the festive spirit, a grave caution hung over the event, as those in costume reported being escorted into police vans, with some alleging they were compelled to remove makeup at police stations. Witnesses described seeing more police on the streets than costumed participants, which further compounded the sense of unease during the celebration.
The authorities’ heavy-handed approach seems to echo earlier sentiments expressed at local universities, where students were urged to refrain from participating in gatherings, signifying hesitation amidst a backdrop of social unrest following the anti-lockdown protests in late 2022. One Fudan University student recounted being questioned by school officials on their whereabouts throughout the Halloween weekend.
The government’s preemptive measures included sending discouraging notices to local business owners about Halloween activities, and widespread online chatter suggested a potential ban on large gatherings. Although Shanghai’s vibrant Halloween scene had previously been marked by a blend of humor and critique toward the state, the current crackdown reflects the heightened vigilance of authorities against perceived dissent.
This situation continues to unfold, with many questioning the future of cultural celebrations in China’s largest metropolis amidst a climate of restriction. The BBC has sought comments from local police but has yet to receive a response regarding the enforcement actions observed during the Halloween weekend.
Eyewitness reports and social media footage depict a tense atmosphere as officers encouraged attendees clad in costumes to vacate popular gathering spots. In stark contrast to the previous year where revelers famously exploited the occasion to mock governmental policies through elaborate outfits – including humorous takes on surveillance and COVID testing – this year’s participants appeared to exercise caution, opting for mainstream characters such as Batman and Deadpool.
Despite the festive spirit, a grave caution hung over the event, as those in costume reported being escorted into police vans, with some alleging they were compelled to remove makeup at police stations. Witnesses described seeing more police on the streets than costumed participants, which further compounded the sense of unease during the celebration.
The authorities’ heavy-handed approach seems to echo earlier sentiments expressed at local universities, where students were urged to refrain from participating in gatherings, signifying hesitation amidst a backdrop of social unrest following the anti-lockdown protests in late 2022. One Fudan University student recounted being questioned by school officials on their whereabouts throughout the Halloween weekend.
The government’s preemptive measures included sending discouraging notices to local business owners about Halloween activities, and widespread online chatter suggested a potential ban on large gatherings. Although Shanghai’s vibrant Halloween scene had previously been marked by a blend of humor and critique toward the state, the current crackdown reflects the heightened vigilance of authorities against perceived dissent.
This situation continues to unfold, with many questioning the future of cultural celebrations in China’s largest metropolis amidst a climate of restriction. The BBC has sought comments from local police but has yet to receive a response regarding the enforcement actions observed during the Halloween weekend.
