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13 ways to celebrate Friday the 13th

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AMEENA GOLDING | STAFF

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OCTOBER 12, 2017

Friday the 13th is perceived as a profoundly unlucky day, but you don’t have to fear it this October. Rather, entertain yourself by confronting your paranormal paranoia or indulging in ways to test your luck.  

Go to Alcatraz Island at night

Check out the night tour of Alcatraz. Challenge yourself by spending a few minutes in a solitary confinement cell and mingle with the spirits of former prisoners.   

Host a seance

Choose some willing participants you can get spooky with. Lighting some candles and connecting with spirits is bound to be an adrenaline-inducing way to spend Friday night.

“Friday the 13th” movie marathon

This one’s obvious, but “Friday the 13th” is a classic movie that’s perfect to watch on Friday. If it’s not your favorite, check out some classic gems of horror, such as “A Nightmare on Elm Street” or “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

Adopt a black cat

In all likelihood, black cats aren’t bad luck, but rather, they’re just adorable creatures in need of a home.

Wear a hockey mask throughout your day and see what reactions await

Who knows, it might be fun.

Stay overnight at the Claremont Hotel

The Claremont’s known to be one of the most haunted places in Berkeley. This hotel used to be a home, and legend says that the former homeowner still haunts the site of her burned-down mansion. More spirits abound, such as the ghost of a young girl who haunts room 422. Be sure to escape campus for a few hours to explore this haunted hotspot.

Knock over all the salt

Legend tells us that spilling salt is bad luck on Friday, so test your luck by spilling salt and see what happens. Perhaps knock it over onto your window sills and over your doors to keep the spirits out.

Marathon “American Horror Story”

AHS is one of the creepiest shows on TV, which is all the more reason to watch it on the 13th.

Read “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”

This work will make you nostalgic for your childhood, when the stories and illustrations would leave you tossing and turning at night.  

Listen to a Friday the 13th playlist

There are tons of playlists on Spotify (like the one right here!) that can set up that spooky vibe. You can also check out YouTube playlists (like this one) to set an ominous mood.

Buy a lottery ticket

Imagine winning the lottery on the most unlucky day of the year. There’s no better way to test your luck.

Subscribe to a freaky podcast

Freak yourself out with podcasts such as “Small Town Horror” and “The Dark Verse,” which introduce you to “universe of occult, metaphysical, and fantastical horror stories.”

Throw a spooky party

Write “Bloody Mary” on your bathroom mirror, decorate your place with fake blood and be sure to have a good time.

This Friday the 13th, be sure to immerse yourself in the occult and test your luck. Whether you host a seance or stay overnight at the Claremont, make this Friday the 13th memorable. What’s the worst that can happen?

Contact Melany Dillon at [email protected].
LAST UPDATED

OCTOBER 11, 2017