Halloween is not known to many in Italy the way others celebrate it in most parts of the world. It is a day filled with excitement. There is a tradition of wearing funny costumes from monsters to witches or anything creative that comes in your mind. The children go around the neighborhood to collect candy from every house and all the pranks done on this day are forgiven. The colors of the festival are generally black, white and orange. The dress code? Witch hats, broomsticks, wigs, sheets and, inevitably, pumpkins. The square of the town turns into a thrilling scene, full of pumpkins, ghosts, witches, vampires and zombies.
An ancient legend says that on Oct. 31, the Lord of Darkness drew all the spirits of the dead to him and breaking the laws of space and time, allowed the spirits to return to earth amongst the living. Its’ actually quite controversial since this day in Italy is an ill omen and instead of a celebration one must pay their respects to the dead in the cemetery.
Despite such opposite beliefs a younger generation is beginning to rise even in parts of Italy where Halloween is celebrated in costumes and the night is dedicated to the clubs. Florence is one these cities that are feeling a change in their culture due to a major contribution of tourism and students from overseas.
Some might take this as a negative aspect but hopefully that should soon go away. It is important not to forget the traditions of your native land but sharing other’s cultures and traditions is no crime. This festivity simply gets a bit of creativity on the streets and some happiness in people’s lives. After all no one actually praises the witches going against the ways of the Church.