Spooky season is coming! That means it’s time to come up with new costumes, fantasy perfumes, stock up on candy and dive into the horror vibes. Finally, the most awaited tradition is here – Halloween 2024 in Italy!
Originated in Ireland and popularized worldwide, Halloween is now widely celebrated in Italy. But do you know why Halloween is celebrated and what this spooky festival is about? Where did it originate? Is it evil or dark? Here we answer all those curious questions and more. Read on for the “why” behind this horror season.
“On Halloween, witches come true; wild ghosts escape from dreams. Each monster dances in the park.” –Nick Gordon
The True story behind Halloween
Every year Halloween is celebrated worldwide on October 31.
The ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain is considered to be the earliest known root of Halloween traditions. This marks the onset of a new season when people believe that they can connect with the dead. This was the period when Halloween gained its “haunted” connotations.
During the Samhain festival, it is believed that the souls of dead people return to visit their homes and those who died that year were believed to journey to another world. As per the traditions, people set bonfires on hilltop to frighten away the evil spirits and wear masks to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. Convinced by such beliefs, people started dressing up like witches, fairies, hobgoblins, and demons associated with the day.
Along with this, Halloween has Christian roots too. In the early 7th century, Pope Boniface IV put May 13 as the All Saint’s Day on the calendar dedicated the Pantheon to the saints. Pope Gregory changed this to November 1 when a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica was dedicated to the saints. Later, Pope Gregory IV added All saints’ day to the universal calendar extending this celebration everywhere.
However, All Saint’s Day was celebrated on November 1 along with Halloween on October 31 as well as All soul’s day on November 2 creating a three day celebration called Hallow tide.
Grab your Italy visa London soon as Hallow tide is waiting for you. and ya don’t get scared!
The connection of Pumpkin in Halloween celebration
Whether it’s the beginning of October or Halloween 2024 in Italy, you will see a surge in the sale of Pumpkins. You might have got the hint of the reason behind this, right?
Undoubtedly, due to the upcoming Halloween celebration. As per the tradition people use to carve the pumpkins into spooky faces and place them at their doorsteps. But
why?
This vibrant fruit is an iconic symbol of Halloween due to its cultural and historical significance. The tale behind this is all about a man named Stingy Jack. A familiar name, right? According to the legends, Jack was a deceptive soul who used to outwit the devil himself. However when he died, neither heaven nor hell accepted his soul. And the devil who was irritated by Jack’s doings sent him off into the night with just a burning coal. Then Jak placed the coal inside a hollowed turnip and roamed the earth which eventually came to be known as “Jack O’Lantern”. And this is how people started carving the pumpkins into faces and placing them outside their doorsteps to protect homes from wandering evil spirits.
Interesting, right? So, are you ready to carve pumpkins this Halloween 2024?
Dated: 31st Oct 2024
Although Halloween does not have its origin in Italy, it has become much more popular in recent decades in the country. Widely celebrated by the younger generation, the day has become popular for parties, dressing up and horrific decorations.
Halloween celebrations in Italy are a blend of ancient traditions as well as modern parties. There are numerous rituals followed during Hallow tide like visiting cemeteries on November 1-2 to honor the deceased relatives, placing candles in windows to greet the souls etc.
Also Read: Halloween Celebration in Italy
During the Halloween celebration in the country, on the evening of 31 October, scary parades, and horror costume parties take place in many towns. In Italian cities including Rome, Naples and Milan, Halloween is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The celebration is backed by various events from street parties to guided tours making Halloween an unforgettable experience.
Gardaland Magic Halloween in Italy – Gardaland, Italy’s largest theme park, is undoubtedly a paradise during Halloween month. Gardaland magic Halloween is filled with fantasy shows, parades and attractions with horror themes. You can enjoy the trip with family and attend the special spooky events held here.
Halloween Horror Fest in Mirabilandia (Ravenna) – Mirabilandia is one of the largest amusement parks in Italy that transforms into a horror landscape in October. The real horror fans love to enjoy the spooky shows, attractions and horror experiences this fest offers.
Movieland Park – Halloween Horror Nights – Movieland park in Lazise on Lake Garda is popular for its “Halloween Horror Nights”, during which the park is changed into a horror space. Participants dress up like ghosts, zombies and other gruesome creatures to make the visitors’ blood run cold.
Halloween at the Cinecittà World theme park (Rome) -Cinecitta world, a stunning amusement park in Ropme is widely popular for the in park Halloween parties. Here, the movie lovers can relive the famous horror scenes.
Halloween in Gradara – Village of Gradara in the Marche region will undoubtedly create an amazing ambience for Halloween 2024 in Italy. The famous events include themed tours of Gradara castle, night time tours and spooky theater performances.
Halloween night run in Florence – For Halloween fans, there is the Halloween night run through the illuminated streets of Florence. The scary costumes and horror vibes with spooky twists makes this festival stunning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Halloween 2024 in Italy will be a captivating experience blending the country’s rich culture with modern day parties. From haunted tours to masquerade parties, the vibrant celebration offers something for everyone.
With growing popularity, Italians are embracing the holiday and celebrate this spooky season with their unique events.
If you wish to feel the horrific vibes of Halloween in Italy, then what makes it possible is the Italy visa appointment. Getting the appointment at the centre during such a vast celebration is a tough task. But don’t be disappointed! We are here to help you secure the visa appointment after successfully submitting the online application. Just let those evil spirits go away and not your trip!
Town of Corinaldo in the Marche region of Italy is popularly known as “Halloween capital of Italy”. Thai place is famous for its “Night of the witches” which takes place here each year on 31st October.
Although Italy is not the originator of Halloween, the way it celebrates this festival is incredible. Whether its parades in Rome or night run in Florence, the celebration is filled with spooky shows, night horror runs and parties.
It’s an annual observance every October 31 in Italy. It is not an official holiday in the country but a festive event.