In brief
In a marked shift from previous celebrations, Halloween gatherings in Shanghai faced heavy police presence and restrictions, raising questions about the tolerance of public expression in the city.
During this year's Halloween weekend, Shanghai was marked by an aggressive police response as officers patrolled the streets and set up barriers, effectively stifling the festivities. Many revellers reported that authorities were dispersing crowds dressed in Halloween costumes, with some individuals being reportedly arrested. There has been an absence of official comments from authorities on the matter, although whispers of a crackdown have been circulating on social media and among locals since earlier this month. This crackdown comes after last year's Halloween events saw participants donning costumes that poked fun at the Chinese government, including outfits resembling surveillance cameras and Covid testers. While this year, attendees primarily wore non-controversial costumes like Batman and Deadpool, reports indicate that even these costumes drew police attention. There were incidents where participants had to remove their make-up at police stations, igniting further confusion about which costumes were deemed acceptable. Eyewitnesses described the scene as officers gathered in large numbers in downtown areas and targeted individuals in costumes. One resident recounted that the festive atmosphere dissipated abruptly when police began enforcing new rules, instructing people to remove their headgear upon exit from venues. Another witness noted that the police presence seemed to dwarf the number of revellers, leading many to express disbelief over the heavy-handed response. Prior to the Halloween weekend, various establishments in the city received unofficial notices discouraging Halloween gatherings, and students from multiple universities reported being warned against participating in large events. This pattern of suppression appears reflective of broader government strategies, particularly in the wake of the White Paper Protest movement from late 2022 when citizens expressed discontent against Covid policies in public gatherings. These recent actions underline a growing trend of curtailing public expression and highlight a more significant societal shift, where individuals are increasingly monitored and discouraged from participating in collective celebrations. The situation remains fluid, with many questioning the implications of such government interventions on the traditional spirit of Halloween in a city that was once perceived as more tolerant.
