Basra hotel faces local backlash over halloween event amid protests and security concerns

BASRA — The Grand Millennium, one of Basra’s largest and most prominent hotels, is under scrutiny after hosting a Halloween event that sparked criticism and protests. Demonstrators gathered outside the hotel on Wednesday, calling for its closure over what they described as an “immoral” celebration.

Videos of the event circulated widely on social media, with some viewers denouncing the gathering as “offensive” and “satanic.” The backlash prompted a swift response from local residents and religious groups, who joined in condemning the event.

The hotel, which is currently hosting several diplomatic missions, including the German Embassy’s chargé d’affaires, heightened its security measures following the protests. A source close to hotel management voiced concerns about the potential impact on Basra’s reputation. “Such incidents create an impression of insecurity, which could harm Basra’s image as a tourist destination,” the source said.

The hotel is reportedly considering additional steps to ensure stability as it prepares for increased demand due to upcoming international conferences, including one on climate change featuring the German diplomat.

Ali Al-Mudhaffar, who attended the Halloween celebration, dismissed the allegations of immorality. “It was a regular event, far from the ‘satanic’ or ‘occult’ claims circulating online,” he said. Al-Mudhaffar explained that organizers had prohibited costumes and frightening makeup, with some attendees even wearing traditional attire. “The music was provided by the Apollo band, which plays foreign songs. This is hardly the first event of its kind in Basra, and I’m surprised by the level of outrage,” he added.

Protests outside the Grand Millennium intensified on Wednesday, with demonstrators demanding the hotel’s closure. Representatives of Basra’s religious mourning processions joined the calls for action, urging a ban on music and dance events in the city.

Protester Ahmed Al-Hasnawi told 964Media, “We firmly reject these indecent, dance-filled parties hosted at this hotel. This event goes against Basra’s values and reputation for religious and moral integrity. Hosting such celebrations in our city tarnishes its image, and we demand the immediate closure of this hotel.”

Abdul Bari Al-Mousawi, a representative of a religious procession, also criticized local authorities for permitting such events. “Unfortunately, Basra’s local government has shown a lack of response to these kinds of activities, allowing events like this Halloween party without any intervention,” he said.

“The increase in dance and music events is pushing us toward a dangerous moral decline. Our message is clear: shut down this hotel of blasphemy, the Grand Millennium, to set an example for anyone who would violate Basra’s community standards.”