A Scary Halloween in Florence, 2024
This year’s Halloween, celebrated on the eve of October 31, features a wide variety of activities suitable for people of all ages in Florence. Adults can take an interest in slightly spookier events, while the little ones can go to a pumpkin farm or go trick or treating, especially popular in the Santo Spirito, Sant’Ambrogio and via Gioberti neighborhoods. Although Halloween is not a traditional Italian holiday, more and more activities are emerging for people who want to celebrate it. Below are suggestions for exciting events.
ACTIVITIES FOR (not only) CHILDREN
Even though many adults enjoy Halloween, it’s more commonly associated with children and their fondness for trick-or-treating and dressing up in costume. Therefore, many of this year’s Halloween events are centered around the kids. At the San Donato Center in Novoli, two shows featuring Nicola Pecci and Andrea Bruno Savelli will be staged, starting at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. The event is free and includes spooky tales and songs for kids. Additionally, the Hard Rock Cafe is celebrating Halloween with a special event dedicated to kids and their families, with magic, games, and exclusive themed menus. There will not only be tasty food and spooky makeup for every child but also a magic show performed by Magician Leo. Similar activities await children at the Enzo Pazzagli Art Park in Rovezzano, where a special magic and bubble show featuring Magico Metteo will take place at 5:30 pm. For more information visit: https://ecorinascimento.com/evento/aspettando-halloween-al-parco-pazzagli-a-firenze-giovedi-31-ottobre-halloween-ore-1730-magico-matteo-per-grandi-e-piccoli/.
At Fattoria di Maiano di Fiesole, children can go on a guided tour to see animals, visit a magic pumpkin workshop, and receive a diploma: “Little Sorcerer of the Farm.”
The pumpkin is the undisputed symbol of Halloween, which is why visiting a pumpkin patch is a must. Around Florence, there are several places worth visiting. One such spot is the pumpkin patch in Reggello, featuring fields with spooky-themed displays. It will also be open on Wednesday, October 30, and Thursday, October 31, when the closing party is scheduled to start at 7 pm. Admission can be bought online at https://www.lortodellezucche.it/.
Another event, perfect not only for kids but also for adults, is the special Halloween event in a planetarium. The sky will be filled with scary cosmic objects, like planets, ghosts, witches, and skull-shaped asteroids. It’s designed for both adults and children ages 7 and up. More information: https://www.fstfirenze.it/event/halloween-a-firenze-planetario-da-brividi/.
October 31 can also be spent at the museum with two venues in the city organizing Halloween tours for children. At 5 pm, the National Archaeological Museum in Florence will hold an unusual guided tour featuring mysterious, spooky stories. Reservations required: info@museogonfienti.it. Additionally, visitors may visit the Stibbert Museum for the special event “Knights the Night.” Adults and kids can explore various themed rooms or go trick-or-treating with museum staff.
More information: https://www.museostibbert.it/frontend/index.php?sez=evento&id_evento=81
EVENTS FOR ADULTS
For cinephiles, Giunti Odeon has prepared two Halloween specials. One is a tribute to Tim Burton, the American director known for his extraordinary ability to create unique universes and characters adored by fans around the world. His films are often associated with Halloween due to their dark and unsetting atmosphere, even though they sometimes maintain dreamlike settings. The organizers have selected some of his most famous films, which will be presented in the original (English) language with Italian subtitles. The event starts on Thursday at 10 am. The other special is a screening of the restored original version of Carrie, a classic horror movie from the 70’s. Directed by Brian De Palma and based on the famous Stephen King’s novel, it follows a story of a bullied girl who discovers her paranormal abilities while living with her overly religious mother. Tickets can be reserved at: https://www.giuntiodeon.com/en/cinema/157.
One of the most interesting activities is the Halloween Tour following in the footsteps of Ginevra degli Amieri’s ghost. Her legend is famous among Florentines, as it is not only thrilling but also fascinating. The story takes place at the end of the 14th century, a time when the Black Death, a devastating global plague, killed more than 50% of the population of the city. After her apparent death, she was laid to rest in the church of Santa Reparata (The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was built on its site), where she later regained consciousness. She was buried alive and when she returned home, her family and friends mistook her for a vengeful spirit. This tour allows ghost story enthusiasts to spend the night of October 31 not only searching for Ginevra’s traces (and discovering the real ending of her story) but also admiring lesser-known corners of the historic center. The tour runs from 8:30 pm to 10 pm, starting at Piazza Duomo. More information about the tour and the tickets: https://www.partecipart.it/tour/ginevra-degli-amieri/
Teatro Puccini offers a live podcast called Bouquet of Madness, which grew out of one of the most-watched crime podcasts in Italy. It will feature unreleased true-crime cases, narrated by Martina and Federica. Audience members can engage in the show by wearing Halloween-themed clothing and makeup. Tickets are available at: https://www.teatropuccini.it/bouquet-of-madness-2/
Watching movies or going on tours, however, is not the only way to celebrate the scariest night of the year. On October 31, Mercato Centrale Florence will hold an event filled with fun, great food, and makeup. Starting at 7:30 pm, everyone can enjoy music (such as ambient or house music) and get their Halloween look done by make-up artist Bianca Bonnano (for bookings: info.firenze@mercatocentrale.it). Those who come in Halloween costumes will receive discounts on select purchases. (Paulina Juzak)
