I have lived in Italy for over 20 years; when I came over in 2002 with my one-year-old, Halloween was pretty much non-existent except for in the expat community. Halloween has changed so much over the years here, especially in Firenze.  It has become popular for young children and teenagers where now events are created all around town.

Halloween has become increasingly popular in Italy only in the past few years, although it is still not deeply rooted in Italian culture. Celebrating Halloween in Italy has experienced growth for local retailers and businesses that have embraced Halloween as a commercial opportunity. Halloween-themed decorations, costumes, and candy have become widely available in stores, encouraging this holiday celebration.

The existing trick-or-treating in Firenze is at local stores. It is a lure for the children to get candy and the shop owners to draw clients into the stores.  Children go around with their parents, and when a strip of stores on a street is offering candy, each store is visited. Some unfrequented stores get a chance to be seen and possibly a return visit or purchase. With the beginning of November being the start of the Christmas holiday shopping in Italy, this is a win for shop owners.

On the other hand, teenagers promote Halloween party events that have gained popularity, especially in urban areas. Clubs, bars, and restaurants often host Halloween-themed parties, and people dress up in costumes to participate in the festivities.

Do not forget Social Media and Online Communities have been spreading this holiday for years with the questions of people hunting for pumpkins to carve and other autumn decorations.  The US holidays Halloween and Thanksgiving are our Autumn holidays, which bring in the beautiful colors of fall, browns, oranges, and yellows, before the winter holidays of Christmas and New Year’s Day.    

It’s important to note that Halloween is still not as deeply ingrained in Italian tradition as other holidays like Christmas or Easter. Italy traditionally celebrates All Saints’ Day on November 1^st, which holds more significance in Autumn as the recognized holiday.

These are not recognized as holidays but excellent opportunities for the locals to go and see the beautiful colors of autumn. They are the different fall festivals (SAGRE) being held outside of the city limits. They have Grape harvesting and Wine (UVE E VINO), Chestnut collecting (CASTAGNA), Olive harvesting and olive oil (OLIO D’OLIVA), Truffle hunting (TARTUFI), and more.  Throughout Tuscany, located in small villages are filled with food, wine, and so much fun just waiting to be explored. So besides celebrating Halloween in the city, get out and enjoy autumn colors and the many festivals around Tuscany.

To find some local Sagri and Halloween events, check out…

• Discover Tuscany (Sagri around Tuscany)
• Firenze Today (Halloween Events)
• Firenze Formato Famiglia (Halloween Events)