Halloween 2015: What to do in Florence, Italy

"All Hallows Evening," better known as "Halloween" is the yearly celebration dedicated to honoring the dead. It is held on October 31st, which is the night before "All Saints Day." In some parts of the world, Christians visit graveyards on this night to honor the dead with prayers or flowers.

Many believe that spirits of the dead (ghosts) walk among the living on that special night because the line separating the two worlds is blurred. For this reason, people carved scary faces into pumpkins and set them alight with candles to scare away unwanted or malignant beings. In the past, people also wore masks to disguise themselves from any ghosts seeking revenge for wrongs committed while they were alive.

Today, most people wear costumes for fun and kids wear them to score candy. I love all aspects of Halloween, including dressing up and celebrating the night with music, dancing, drinking- well, you get the idea. Halloween has been gaining popularity over the years here in Florence, and if you happen to be in the city for Halloween 2015, here's some ideas:

FLORENCE INFERNO: This is a cool walking tour that takes place at night. You are encouraged to dress in costume. Scariest costume wins a secret passage tour for 2 people on November 2, 2015 (how great is that?) For more information, check out the website: http://www.florenceinferno.com/walking-tours/halloween/

JAZZ CLUB: (Via Nuova de’Caccini, 3) be open from 9 p.m. until late. The venue will feature Jam Session and House Bafesta di Halloween. Music and dancing all night for witches, goblins, zombies, vampires, etc. Arriving in costume is heartily encouraged, but not required. Check out their FB page for schedules: https://www.facebook.com/jazzclubfirenze.it

RIFRULLO RESTAURANT: (Via San Niccolo 55r) will celebrate Halloween with a fun party beginning at 7pm. Costumes are not obligatory but feel free to wear one!

FORTEZZO da BASSO: Party starts at 10pm with special guests Felix Krocher and SSpeedy J. For more info, call 338 572 1655.

REGINA MARGHERITA: (Via del Padule 25) will host Horror Music Night, beginning at 10:30 p.m. Price is 25 euro per person and includes dinner. For more information visit: info@reginamargherita.eu

NOTE: Several pubs and clubs in the city have posters advertising Halloween Specials and Costume Parties, so be on the lookout for them!

Also, don't forget to check out the Duchess de Nuit: A Vampire Tale of Lust and Blood (featured at the top, available on Amazon). This book combines historical fiction and the paranormal to bring you a vampire story like none other! Perfect for getting you in the mood for Halloween.

Thank you for reading!

C. De Melo
Author & Artist
www.cdemelo.com