Although many will lead you to believe that Halloween celebrations are new to Italy, the fact is that nothing can be further from the truth…

In fact, as with many things thought to be “modern”, the origins of Halloween are traced back well before Chistianity. Today’s celebrations are a combination of ancient sacred beliefs from the Roman Pomona Day and the Celtic Samhain rituals.

On or about the first of November it was believed that astronomical events opened up a portal between the living and the dead. The evening was looked upon as a time to give back sacrifices in order to appease the dead. These sacrifices were believed to be the catalyst for prosperity, good relations and a good harvest. In our modern world these sacrifices have manifested into “treats”.

As Christianity took a foothold, the day of celebration became All Saints Day.

In Italy, especially in the more urbanized environments, children celebrate with games, song and treats. While adults, celebrate with parties and jaunts to ancient burial grounds, catacombs and grottoes.

A case in point is the multi-hour trip embarked upon from the center of Siena. Participants walk through creepy ancient alleyways till they arrive at the Carnaio of Santa Maria Della Scala. This is the place where thousands of pilgrims walked on their way from Canterbury from Rome. Unfortunately many died during the journey, as they crossed Via Francigena, those that died were thrown into a deep and narrow cistern. Participants of this annual trip walk down the cistern where they can witness firsthand the piles and piles of bones dating back to the 11th century. Immediately afterwards, they walk back up to the street and head on over to an amazing feast at Enoteca Italiana to complete their ritual.

As in the United States, Halloween has become a big event in Italy. In fact, in some places the celebration begins on the 31st and continues for three or four more days.

And in case you are wondering, Italians do say “Happy Halloween”, as well as “Buon Notte dei Misteri” and even Buon Capodanno Celtico.

by Fabrizio Marchesini and Elena Santos