Where to go for Halloween? Traditional celebrations in Italy.

Halloween, by its name and origin, is an Anglo-Saxon holiday, but traditions related to the dead and their celebrations are widespread around the world. One of the most famous examples is the Mexican Day of the Dead. However, without looking to foreign countries, Italy also has a rich and diverse regional folklore associated with the dead.

South and islands

Sardinia is one of the Italian regions with the richest folklore heritage, and this tradition is quite similar to the classic "trick or treat." On this day, children go from house to house, asking for sweets or gifts with small lanterns.

Le Fiere dei Morti: In Sicily, real fairs are organized where a large number of sugar dolls, cookies shaped like bones, and so on are sold. The tradition states that sweets are brought to children by the souls of the deceased, known as "morticeddi."

The Night of the Fucacoste: In Puglia, in the town of Orsara in the province of Foggia, this celebration takes place on the night of November 1st to 2nd, during which the entire village is decorated with bonfires and carved pumpkins, which are said to help the souls of the deceased find their way home.

In Calabria, several decades ago, processions were organized in the streets and real events were held at the tomb in honor of the dead.

Il Torrone dei Morti: Almost throughout Campania, but especially in Naples, a special nougat called "Torrone dei Morti" is prepared. It is consumed from October to November, and its shape is said to resemble a coffin.

Center

The Abruzzese: Between Sulmona and L'Aquila, in the Peligna Valley, it was customary to place a candle in front of one's house on All Saints' Night to honor the deceased who would process through the village streets.

Ben d’i morti: During this special Tuscan tradition in the province of Massa-Carrara, food was collected for the poor.

North

In Emilia-Romagna, there is a very similar tradition, as on November 1st, the poor would walk the streets of the city asking for food, which was given to them so that the souls of the deceased would not be troubled by social injustices.

Pan di mort: In Lombardy, there is a tradition very similar to the Neapolitan one: this special Milanese dessert is prepared in honor of the deceased.

Banchetti e falò: In the Aosta Valley, the night of All Saints is characterized by the presence of bonfires in the streets and carefully set tables left specifically for the souls of the deceased.

What if you celebrate Halloween at home? Here are plenty of ideas for decorating each room with spooky homemade decorations:

• How to make homemade Halloween ghosts
• How to carve a Halloween pumpkin using a drill
• How to set the table for Halloween
• The best autumn decorations to transform your garden
• How to decorate your home for Halloween without spending a lot of money.