Halloween in Italy: Traditions and Celebrations

Celebrating Autumn: How to Experience Halloween Traditions in Italy

We hope you’ve all had a fantastic October! From sipping pumpkin-spiced lattes to rocking the trendy cable-knit sweater and khaki combinations, we hope you are fully embracing the season. While saying goodbye to summer is never easy, Halloween traditions in Italy and the stunning autumn colors make this time of year truly magical.

The European Roots of Halloween

Many people view Halloween as a purely American holiday, but its origins are actually steeped in ancient European history. Known by the Celts as Samhain, it was originally a day to honor the souls of the dead. Today, while the holiday has become more commercialized, the core sentiment of remembrance remains a vital part of the culture.

Authentic Italian Traditions: Ognissanti and I Morti

If you want to understand Halloween traditions in Italy, you have to look at the days following October 31st. Italians traditionally celebrate Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day) on November 1st, followed by I Morti (All Souls’ Day) on November 2nd.

These days are dedicated to remembering loved ones who have passed away, usually through prayer, flowers, and special regional foods. Across the country, unique customs bring these days to life:

Sicily: Children hunt for hidden treats supposedly left by deceased relatives.
Northern Italy: Some families leave their homes empty so the spirits of the dead can visit in peace.
National Custom: Many Italians set an extra, empty place at the dinner table to welcome the spirits of their ancestors.

If you are planning to visit during this soulful season, check out our Tuscany day trips to see how rural villages decorate their squares for these ancient festivities.

As far as Halloween night is concerned, it may not be widely celebrated in Italy but it is celebrated by a growing number of younger generation Italians so with a little bit of research and planning you could potentially find something fun to do that’s Halloween related!

For instance, the medieval town of Corinaldo located northeast of Ancona in central Italy’s Le Marche region, hosts an annual festa di Halloween, or festa delle Streghe during the last week of October.

If you’re near Lake Garda, you can attend any Halloween parties in Gardaland held every weekend from October 6 to November 4th. These parties sound pretty cool featuring spirit parades, music and even fireworks!

If you’re not into dressing up and partying for Halloween you can always have a quiet night in with a fabulously scary movie!

Whatever your plans are for October 31st, we wish you a very safe and Happy Halloween.