In late October, Americans don elaborate costumes for Halloween, an increasingly popular holiday among younger Italians. Traditionally, however, this time of year in Italy is marked by the still-spooky La Festa di Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day) and Il Giorno dei Morti (The Day of the Dead).
Though beginning to be overshadowed by Halloween, both days are deeply embedded in Italian culture with roots in ancient folk traditions that span the globe. In pagan times, autumn was considered the counterpoint of spring and its symbol of rebirth. Many believed it was a liminal period when we could connect with the departed.
In fact, America’s modern Halloween can trace its roots to these holidays. Sometimes called “All Hallows’ Day” in early cultures, All Saints’ Day was prefaced by a late-night celebration: the time to call on the dead. That unnerving tradition – called All Hallows’ Eve – eventually became Halloween, and the rest is history.
LA FESTA DI OGNISSANTI
Celebrated on November 1, La Festa di Ognissanti, or All Saints’ Day, is both a Catholic feast day and a national Italian holiday: post offices, banks, and schools close across the country. The day is dedicated to honoring all of the saints and martyrs who died for the Catholic Church.
While the occasion may sound solemn, the day itself is festive. Depending on local tradition, many Italians attend a special midday Mass after a colorful procession down the city center. The rest of the day is dedicated to — of course — a great feast with friends and family.
IL GIORNO DEI MORTI
The following morning, on November 2, Italians remember those who passed away for Il Giorno dei Morti, known as The Day of the Dead, or All Souls’ Day. Cemeteries become alive with visitors bearing flowers and candles to remember their deceased loved ones.
After paying homage, families gather for another feast. Each region – and even town – has its own traditional dolci dei morti, or sweets of the bread, from northern Lombardia’s sweet “ossi dei morti” (“bones of the dead”) cookies to southern Sicilia’s savory “pane dei morti” (“bread of the dead,” pictured above). Following a tradition that has roots in ancient Rome, these sweets are left as offerings to the dead. In very rural areas around southern Italy, some families also continue to lay the table with a second dinner, so their ancestors will feel compelled to return.
Add an Italian twist to your October festivities with our regional chocolates, cookies, and candies! Find your treats at your local Eataly, order with local delivery, or shop online at Eataly.com.