The Best History Making Halloween Pranks!

Halloween is celebrated with costumes, candy, and sometimes, brilliantly executed pranks. While many pranks are light-hearted and in good fun, there have been a few that stand out and have become part of Halloween lore. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable:

War of the Worlds Broadcast (1938):
Perhaps the most famous Halloween prank ever, Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre on the Air performed a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” on October 30, 1938. Presented as a series of fake news bulletins, many listeners believed that Martians were genuinely invading Earth, leading to widespread panic.

MIT’s Great Dome Caper (1994):
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is known for its “hacks” or elaborate pranks. In October 1994, students transformed the school’s Great Dome into a giant pumpkin. It was a feat of engineering and creativity, with the pumpkin weighing over 400 pounds.

Jimmy Kimmel’s Annual Candy Prank (ongoing since 2011):
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has made it a yearly tradition to challenge parents to tell their children they ate all their Halloween candy and film the reactions. Some of the results are predictably emotional, while others are downright hilarious, earning this prank a spot in the annual Halloween highlights.

Flying Ghost Drone (2015):
Tom Mabe, a well-known prankster, took advantage of drone technology to spook unsuspecting park-goers. He attached a skeleton to a drone and flew it around, giving the illusion of a ghost flying through the air. Videos of the prank received millions of views online.

San Francisco’s Muni “Zombie Bus” (2012):
As a nod to the popular TV show “The Walking Dead,” San Francisco’s Muni buses featured ads that made it look as though zombies were trying to escape from inside the bus, much to the bewilderment (and amusement) of bystanders.

Denver UFO sightings (2011):
In 2011, many Denver residents reported seeing strange objects flying in the evening sky. These UFOs were later revealed to be part of a prank where LED-lit balloons were released, creating the illusion of mysterious flying objects.

While pranks can add a fun twist to the Halloween festivities, it’s always essential to ensure they are safe and don’t cause harm or undue stress. The best pranks are those where everyone can share a laugh once the ruse is revealed. Happy Haunting!