Home » Il Gazzettino » Halloween in Italy: A Sweet Mix of Tradition, Family, and Food
When most people think of Halloween, they picture pumpkin carving, costumes, and trick-or-treating. But in Italy, the season looks a little different. While Halloween has become more popular in recent years, Italian celebrations still carry deep ties to ancient traditions — especially those centered around honouring loved ones and sharing food.
Halloween as we know it today is a relatively new concept in Italy, but the country has long celebrated Ognissanti (All Saints’ Day on November 1st) and Giorno dei Morti (All Souls’ Day on November 2nd). These holidays are about remembering those who have passed — not with fear, but with warmth, family, and reflection.
Across Italy, families visit cemeteries to leave flowers and light candles, creating glowing displays of remembrance. In some regions, children also receive small gifts or sweets said to come “from the spirits,” a gentle tradition that keeps family connections alive across generations.
Food is at the heart of Italian culture, and this time of year is no exception. One of the most beloved autumn sweets is Pan dei Morti (“Bread of the Dead”), a rich, chewy cookie made with cocoa, nuts, and dried fruit. It’s especially popular in northern regions such as Lombardy and Tuscany, where families bake it in the days leading up to All Souls’ Day.
In Sicily, you’ll find Frutta Martorana, beautifully crafted marzipan fruits that look freshly picked. These colourful confections symbolize abundance and joy. In Veneto, Fave dei Morti (“Beans of the Dead”)—almond cookies shaped like small beans—are baked and shared to remember loved ones with sweetness and care.
Even pumpkins have a place in Italian autumn traditions. In some southern regions, people carve gourds or pumpkins into lanterns known as lumere or coccalucci, lighting them to guide visiting spirits home.
Rather than focusing on the spooky side of Halloween, Italians embrace the season as a time to connect with family and honour those who came before. It’s a celebration of memory, gratitude, and togetherness — all reflected in the warmth of good food and shared moments.
At Mercato, we love how Italian traditions blend sweetness with meaning. Inspired by the flavours of autumn — nuts, cocoa, fruit, and spice — our bakery celebrates the season with handmade treats crafted with care. Whether you’re picking up a cake for a fall gathering or simply treating yourself, visit us to taste the tradition and bring a touch of Italy’s warmth to your own home this Halloween.
When it comes to celebrating life’s special moments, nothing brings people together quite like cake. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary,
For those of us who grew up in an Italian home, food was never just about eating—it was about family,
Craving a slice of tiramisu, a fresh panini, or a custom birthday cake? At Mercato Foods, we’re excited to announce
